Palletizing with a cobot or industrial robot
WiredWorkers palletizes boxes in FMCG with a cobot cell up to 25 kg and 3 to 4 boxes per minute, or with an industrial robot when weight or capacity is higher. The choice follows the line: medium volume and frequent changeovers often point to a cobot; continuous high output or heavier loads point to an industrial robot.
What palletizing in FMCG requires
Palletizing is physically heavy and repetitive. Lift boxes off the belt, turn them, stack them at height, put empty pallets back. In many FMCG halls that still happens by hand. Automation works when the infeed is stable and the pattern can be programmed.
Two answers: cobot cell or industrial robot
Plug & Produce cobot palletizer
Our cobot palletizer was developed in-house as a Plug & Produce cell for packaging lines:
- cell weight about 200 kg
- maximum payload 25 kg
- 3 to 4 boxes per minute
- maximum stack height 3 metres
- power 100–240 VAC
- mobile, usable in more than one place
- two pallet positions
- fast programming of new stack patterns
The cell handles closed boxes, slip sheets, crates and open trays, within that 25 kg payload. The palletizer cell can be rented, not only purchased.
Explore palletizing with cobots.
Industrial robot when the cobot is too tight
Above 25 kg, above 3 to 4 boxes per minute, or on a line that runs the same box at high capacity for hours, we look at an industrial robot. More guarding, more engineering. Brand-independent; FANUC is one brand we work with, not the only one.
We do not put a cobot in when the line needs a robot, and we do not put a robot cell in when a cobot can do the task.
What that delivered at Boermarke and Multifill
At Boermarke in Enschede we supplied a palletizer with a Fanuc CRX25iA. Production leader Marcel Olde Olthof: “Where previously four employees were needed, one employee is now sufficient to put pallets away and bring empty pallets back.”
At Multifill in Mijdrecht it started with one Fanuc cobot cell; four more followed. Five automated palletizers now.
What you can expect
- An honest limit. 25 kg and 3 to 4 boxes per minute for the cobot cell. Outside that, a different architecture.
- A fit, not just an arm. Infeed, printer, gripper and control belong to the cell.
- Ergonomics first. The cobot or robot takes over the lifting; the operator supervises.
- No brand war. UR, FANUC, Techman, Franka Emika or another brand: whatever carries the task.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does the cobot palletizer stack?
3 to 4 boxes per minute, up to 25 kg per pick, up to 3 metres stack height. Higher capacity or heavier loads need an industrial robot.
Does the cell fit an existing line?
The Plug & Produce cell is designed for a fit with limited line changes. Mobile, two pallet positions. We check the exact footprint on the floor.
Does this work with changing box sizes?
Yes, if the gripper and the pattern are set up for it. At Boermarke one gripper picks several box variants.
Is a cobot always without guarding?
Not automatically. Layout follows a risk assessment. Speed, payload and surroundings decide shielding.
Do you have food references?
Yes. Boermarke is food, Multifill is FMCG non-food. Both palletize with a Fanuc cobot.
What is the next step?
A conversation about box weight, pace, pattern changes and floor. Get in touch or call +31 314 700 590.
Advisory conversation
Unsure between a cobot cell and an industrial robot? Book an advisory conversation. Send box weight, desired stack height and the number of SKUs. We will say so if 3 to 4 boxes per minute is too tight for your line.