Product-handling equipment—including cartoners and case erectors, packers and loaders—are more automated and more flexible than ever, offering quick changeovers between package formats. They’re able to erect, pack and seal multiple package formats, including shelf-ready packages, stackable club store trays, standard regular slotted containers, flange seal cases and more. Robotics is a big part of these systems.
Automation has increased to reduce labor-intensive processes, on robotic and traditional equipment. OEMs integrate more delta robots with traditional machinery to offer flexibility. Also, many snack and bakery producers want to merge products from several lines into a single case packer, which requires sophisticated handling systems.