Theme: Palletising and Depalletising
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2024-09-12
Want to automate your palletising process? Let Wemo become your automation integrator! We offer customised solutions for automated palletising and depalletising.
What is automated palletising and depalletising?
When we talk about automated palletising, we simply mean that a robot places boxes or other items on a pallet in a predetermined, organised pattern. The pallet is then ready for transport or storage.
Automated depalletising means that the robot removes items from the pallet in a predetermined, organised pattern. The robot prepares the items for further handling, such as unpacking or sorting the goods.
What are the benefits of automated palletising?
The benefits of automated palletising and depalletising are numerous and complement each other well. Here are 8 key benefits:
- Time-saving
Automated palletising and depalletising are much faster than manual handling, which streamlines preparations for transport, storage, and further processing. Wemo robots handle the goods quickly and efficiently, whether it's stacking or removing products from the pallet. - Reduced strain injuries
By automating the handling of pallets, the need for staff to perform heavy lifting and repetitive tasks is reduced. This decreases the risk of work-related strain injuries and contributes to a safer and more sustainable work environment. - Consistent and accurate handling
Wemo’s systems deliver high precision and consistency in both stacking and unstacking, reducing the risk of product damage. This is especially important for delicate or valuable goods. The systems also optimise pallet space usage, contributing to more efficient logistics. - Flexibility
Wemo’s automated systems are adaptable and can handle a wide range of products, packaging, and sizes. This allows for quick adaptation to changes in product range and other production needs. - Increased productivity
By combining fast and consistent handling with advanced automation, Wemo robots help to increase overall productivity. This results in faster order processing and shorter lead times. - Improved safety
Automated systems reduce the risk of accidents by eliminating the need for dangerous lifts and monotonous tasks. This leads to a safer work environment for all employees. - Seamless integration with other systems
Wemo’s palletising solutions can easily integrate with existing production and logistics systems, improving workflow and efficiency throughout the supply chain. - Traceability and data analysis
With Wemo software, every step of the palletising process can be tracked and recorded. This provides valuable insights that can be used to optimise logistics processes and identify potential areas for improvement.
Examples of automated material handling by Wemo
Client 1: Leading electronics chain
Requirement: The client needed a fully automated solution for palletising products. The goal was to increase efficiency while reducing the ergonomic strain on staff. Together with external partners, we developed a pallet conveyor system that optimised the logistics chain, from production to delivery.
Solution:
Automated palletising: We installed two customised portal robots (Wemo xPacker) that automatically lift packed boxes (up to 20 kg) from the conveyor belt and place them on pallets in a pattern, with heights up to 2.4 meters.
Pallet conveyor system: An integrated pallet conveyor system was installed to easily transport pallets from the palletising station to the warehouse and further to the loading area. The system also included a stretch film machine that secures the products on the pallets for transport.
Result: The automated solution increased productivity, reduced ergonomic strain, and required fewer personnel. It freed up resources that could be used for other tasks, which was particularly important during periods of high workload.
Client 2: Manufacturing company in the plastics industry
Requirement: The client needed a flexible and efficient solution to optimise production between different cells while minimising lead time and manual handling.
Solution:
Automated buffer solution: We installed a buffer solution between the client’s IMM production cell and the assembly cell, where our xPacker cell automatically handles items across four pallet positions. The system adapts to the production rate and demand in real-time, ensuring optimal efficiency. For safe and precise handling, the cell is equipped with safety fencing and a camera. This solution has provided the client with a seamless and secure production flow.
Result: The automated buffer solution led to a more continuous and efficient production, reducing lead time and improving resource usage. The need for manual work decreased, freeing up staff for other tasks and contributing to increased flexibility, especially during peak periods.
Steps for implementing an automated palletising/depalletising process
Implementing an automated solution requires a carefully planned process. Here are the main steps to ensure successful integration:
- Current situation analysis
The first step is to conduct a thorough review of your company’s current situation. We make an on-site visit to assess the conditions, such as ceiling height, existing forklift paths, and available workspace. This analysis is crucial to understand the physical parameters for an automation solution. - Needs analysis
During the visit, we engage in an in-depth dialogue with you to identify your specific needs. We listen to the challenges you face and the goals you want to achieve with the automation. We also develop a vision of what the future solution could look like, based on your preferences. - Problem-solving
If our analysis shows that we can meet your needs, we start the problem-solving phase. Here we create a concept that includes detailed proposals on how we can solve your company’s problem. This may include different technical solutions and a plan for how the automation can be implemented in your business. - Presentation and decision-making process
The next step is to present the concept to you. Together, we review the proposed solution to ensure it meets all requirements. We discuss the budget, go through the offer, and make any necessary adjustments. Once all parties agree and the offer is finalised, we can begin implementing the automation solution.
Summary
Do you want to improve your palletising process while saving time and resources? Wemo offers customised automation solutions for both palletising and depalletising, providing increased efficiency and safety.
Automated palletising means robots place products on pallets in an exact pattern, ready for transport or storage. Depalletising works in the opposite way, where robots remove products from the pallet for further processing. Both processes can revolutionise your goods handling by increasing speed and accuracy while reducing strain injuries and freeing up staff for other tasks.
Want to discuss automatic palletising/depalletising?
filip.nystrom@wemo.se
+46 370 65 85 00