Bobst’s robotic solutions boost end-to-end efficiency

It has been two years for Bobst since the company fully entered the world of robotics by acquiring Dücker Robotics, a business in the corrugated board sector for robots in loading and palletising.

The acquisition reflected Bobst’s focus on automation as a core pillar of its industry vision to shape the future of the packaging world, alongside connectivity, digitalisation and sustainability. Since 2023, robotics has now become an integral part of the company’s corrugated portfolio, boosting end-to-end efficiency for customers.

Now, with a full range of robotic solutions on offer for loading and palletising on flatbed die-cutters, folder-gluers and flexo folder-gluers, and two years’ experience of cutting-edge robotics under its belt, Bobst says it is ready to take the next step.

With more and more converters realising the potential of robotics beyond simply automating their lines, Bobst says its robotic solutions enable converters to maximise the potential of their equipment, improving speed and productivity in an ever more demanding market environment.

In addition, robots help to minimise waste by adapting specific feeding and palletising needs which fluidify the production process and preserve the integrity of sheets, blanks and boxes. They also contribute to workplace sustainability by removing a considerable amount of repetitive and strenuous tasks for operators.

“Our customers in the corrugated industry have appreciated being able to efficiently manage their entire production chain from start to finish with one unique partner,” Bobst folder-gluers and robotics head of product line Pierre Binggeli said.

“The robotics solutions were one of the final pieces of the puzzle to enable this to become reality, enabling automation of key stages and allowing configuration of complete and seamless production lines.”

Bobst’s robotic solutions include the Roboloader and Robopalletizer, along with robots ensuring the safe transport and accurate labelling of pallets.

Roboloader automates the transfer of blank piles, eliminating the need for any manual intervention at the feeder. The robot ensures regular and consistent supply to match top machine speeds, enabling optimal production line productivity.

Robopalletizer stacks the piles or batches in various patterns, completely automating the palletising process. These highly versatile robots offer tailor-made solutions according to each customer’s needs, thanks to several gripper types and the option to combine various robots.

Bobst Robotop, Wrapper, and Robolabel secure the load, speed up the secure wrapping process, ensure full protection and correct labelling, guaranteeing that the pallets travel securely to the right destination.

Bobst says the success of integrating robotics into the Bobst corrugated offer has provided a potential roadmap for the company into several industry sectors, helping customers meet ever-tightening deadlines and demands for fault-free packaging with minimal waste.

“The sustainability benefits of robotics are also a big plus for our customers, who want to keep waste to an absolute minimum and improve workplace conditions,” Binggeli said.

“We foresee a future where robotics are an integral part of all corrugated packaging lines, with fully automated box plants running at maximum capacity with minimum waste and downtime.”

A Bobst spokesperson said the robotics solutions will be made in Australia in future.

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