Robotic solutions

Name: Robotic solutions
Brand: Bobst

Boosting automation

In 2023, BOBST Group acquired the majority share in Dücker Robotics, a world leader in the corrugated board sector for robots in loading and palletizing. The aim was to pursue the vision for the future of packaging production, where the entire packaging production line will be inter-connected and automated.

Stack-to-stack solutions

After merging with a world leader for tailored robotics solutions in the corrugated board sector, while offering opportunities in the folding carton industry, the BOBST portfolio, now allows customers to configure complete, automated packaging production lines, from loading to palletizing. The robotics portfolio includes solutions for 3 major product lines for corrugated board: folder-gluers, flatbed die-cutters and flexo folder-gluers. These robots meet the demands of advanced, efficient converting machines and support the cost-effectiveness, quality, efficiency, and performance of sophisticated converting lines.

Single point of contact

Integrating robotics into its portfolio has made BOBST the only supplier in the market to offer complete packaging line equipment solutions for the corrugated board industry. This allows customers to have one single supplier for their converting equipment, simplifying communication and logistics and enabling them to join an exceptional Service and Tooling network. The alignment between the equipment systems also facilitates machine operation and will ensure access to the digital innovations of the future.

Key benefits

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Features

ROBOLOADER Folding-Gluing (FG)

With ROBOLOADER FG, the transfer of blank piles to the feeding area is completely automated. The robot ensures regular and consistent feeding at top machine speeds, enabling optimal production line productivity. It is easy to operate and quickly setup, reduces the workload, prevents repetitive strain injury (RSI) and the need for constant operator presence.

ROBOLOADER FG for standard formats can be adapted to irregular box formats and has a second robot stabilizing the stacks during pickup.

The ROBOLOADER FG for e-commerce boxes is a simple solution for square e-commerce boxes with a gripper capacity of 550 mm and speeds of up to 96’000 boxes per hour. This e-commerce version has been created to ensure top speed for the folding and gluing of simple boxes.

ROBOLOADER Flexo printing & folding-gluing (FFG) DF

ROBOLOADER FFG DF for the direct feeding (DF) of flexo folder-gluers, lifts and places batches of a great variety of sheets, from microflute to double wall, directly into the feeder. ROBOLOADER FFG DF has an integrated wall for separating, centering and a back stop for the perfect positioning of the stacks. A 6-axis robot with mechanical gripper provides the capability to overturn the batches. The layout can be adapted to enable the side entry of the pile.

ROBOPALLETIZER Die-Cutting (DC)

ROBOPALLETIZER DC is an excellent breaking and palletizing solution for mid-range productivity die-cutting lines. The full version of ROBOPALLETIZER DC includes BUNDLE BREAKER and double layer gripper for more productivity.

Two BUNDLE BREAKERS separate the bundles, before the layers are arranged and palletized with a 6-axels robot which can double the layers and turn the batches over. Highly flexible, with an action range of almost 3 m radius and 300 kg workload, it offers a wide range of possibilities. The BUNDLE BREAKER can also be installed individually (stand alone).

ROBOLOADER Die-Cutting (DC) DF

ROBOLOADER DC DF for the direct feeding (DF) of die-cutters, lifts and places batches of a great variety of sheets, from microflute to triple wall, directly into the feeder. It has an integrated wall for separating, centering and a back stop for the perfect positioning of the stacks. A 6-axis robot with mechanical gripper provides the capability to overturn the batches.

ROBOLAODER Flexo Folding-Gluing (FFG) SF

ROBOLOADER FFG SF feeds batches onto a conveyor belt for continuous shingle feeding (SF). It handles batches of a great variety of sheets, from microflute to double wall. An integrated buffer allows to stock and continually release sheets to ensure highest feeding speeds. A centering device ensures precise positioning on the feeding belt. A 6-axis robot with mechanical gripper provides the capability to overturn the batches for top/bottom printing.

ROBOPALLETIZER Flexo Folding-Gluing (FFG)

With ROBOPALLETIZER FFG, one robot prepares and superposes layers to create double layers, while the other robot builds up the piles. Tie sheets and bottom sheets can be inserted with independent systems between the two robots to optimize the palletization.

Different solutions (MASTER, EXPERT and VISION) allow to adapt the footprint and achieve different levels of performance according to customer needs.

ROBOLOADER Die-Cutting (DC) SF

ROBOLOADER DC SF feeds batches onto a conveyor belt for continuous shingle feeding (SF) into the die-cutter. It handles batches of a great variety of sheets, from microflute to triple wall. A centering device ensures precise positioning on the feeding belt. A 6-axis robot with mechanical gripper provides the capability to overturn the batches.

ROBOPALLETIZER Folding-Gluing (FG)

ROBOPALLETIZER FG has a hybrid gripper, with a vacuum gripper for small bundles and a mechanical gripper for unstrapped boxes and bigger bundles. It gives great flexibility for stacking patterns and tie-sheet positioning to get perfectly squared stacks, guaranteeing box quality and transport safety.

It is possible to combine two robots for top speeds. ROBOPALLETIZER FG can be connected to SPEEDPACK and its banding/strapping solutions (ATS, Signode) for automated robot settings.