Robotic Palletizers

There are currently four types of robot palletizers used in industry today. They are:

Cartesian

Cartesian robots move along 3 axes; x,y and z. Each movement is along a straight line with no cylindrical movement. There is generally a mechanism located above the end effector for case rotation (not shown on image). Usually in palletizing there is no need to rotate a package at odd angles, say 45⁰. So it is quite common for the rotational unit to either be at rest 0⁰ or to rotate to 90⁰ with a mechanical stop to prohibit motion past that point. It is possible however, to graduate the motion so that any angular rotation is possible. This graduated rotation adds to the cost of the unit.

Cartesian robots generally lift mid size loads 50 to 100 lbs adequately, at slower speeds than other types of robots, however, this type of robot is also generally lower priced than the other styles of robots.

Scara

SCARA (Selective Compliant Articulated Robot Arm) robots have joints in the horizontal plane, which allow the arm to swivel about its base and fold in on itself. Its work envelope is cylindrical. These robots maneuver cartons through four axis movement using a mast and cross arm. The entire unit is often placed on a pedestal on rails so the robot can palletize up to 8 pallets simultaneously. Please see page describing SCARA robots for more information.

Articulating Arm

Undoubtedly the most versatile robot. It's faster than all other types of robotic palletizers and can accept virtually any type of end effector. It can stack cases, bags or drums equally well. Capable of lifting over 400kg at typically 7 or 8 pick-place cycles per minute, this robotic palletizer can rival even high speed palletizers. Flexibility and speed doesn't come cheap, these palletizers typically have a higher price than either the Cartesian or the Scara palletizers already discussed.

Articulating Arm robots are capable of almost instantaneous changeover from one product size to another presuming similar case materials and dimensions. This robot type is also capable of changing "tools" on the fly a common feature among Articulating Arm robots (developed for grinding and deburring applications). An example of this might be a 1) a tool for case picking, 2) another tool for picking bags (finger mechanism) and 3) a tool for grasping drums... all picked by the same robot. For more about Articulating Arm robots.

Gantry Palletizing

For more information about Gantry Systems.