How a palletizing robot works
Filled and sealed cases arrive on an infeed conveyor. A sensor confirms a case is in the pick position, the robot picks it with a vacuum or clamp gripper and places it on the pallet according to a stacking pattern stored in the controller. When the pallet is complete, it is removed — by forklift, pallet conveyor or an autonomous forklift — and an empty pallet is placed.
Robot, cobot or conventional palletizer?
| Type | Typical use | Pros | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collaborative robot (cobot) palletizer | One line, light-to-medium cases, moderate speed | Small footprint, quick pattern changes, can work near people with a risk assessment | Lower payload and speed |
| Industrial robot palletizer | Several lines, heavy cases or bags | High payload and reach, multiple pick points | Needs safety fencing, larger space |
| Conventional (layer) palletizer | Very high-speed beverage and food lines | Forms whole layers at once | Large, less flexible for mixed SKUs |
Our cobot palletizer
The MD35F mobile collaborative palletizing robot is a mobile collaborative palletizing robot with a 35 kg payload, rated at 8–12 picks per minute and running on single-phase 220 V. Because it is mobile, it can be moved between the ends of different lines. It handles cartons, cases and bags.
Grippers
- Vacuum grippers for sealed cartons with a flat top.
- Clamp grippers for open trays or heavy cases.
- Fork or finger grippers for sacks and bags of powder or granules.
What decides the price of a palletizing system
Palletizing system prices depend mainly on: picks per minute, case weight, number of infeed lines and pallet stations, gripper type, safety fencing or scanners, and whether empty-pallet dispensing and pallet conveyors are included. A single-line cobot cell is at the lower end; a multi-line industrial robot system with pallet handling is at the higher end. Prices are quoted per configuration — send your case size, weight and cases per minute.
Is a robotic palletizer worth it?
Manual palletizing is heavy, repetitive work that is hard to staff on every shift. A palletizer gives a consistent pattern, which also makes pallet wrapping and transport safer. If you run more than one shift or lift heavy cases, the payback is usually quick.
Information needed for a quotation
- Case or bag dimensions and weight
- Cases per minute and number of lines
- Pallet size and stacking height
- Preferred pattern (or let us propose one)
- Floor space and ceiling height
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a palletizer and a palletizing robot?
A palletizer is any machine that stacks products on pallets. A palletizing robot is one type that uses a robot arm; conventional palletizers form layers mechanically.
What payload does a cobot palletizer have?
Our MD35F cobot palletizer has a 35 kg payload and is rated at 8–12 picks per minute.
Can one palletizer handle different case sizes?
Yes. Robot palletizers store several patterns; switching products is a recipe change on the touch screen, as long as the gripper suits all cases.
Do cobot palletizers need safety fences?
Often they work with area scanners instead of full fencing, but a risk assessment for your site decides the final safety layout.
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