Beumer gears up for rising automation and robotics demand with ergonomic packaging systems

15 Mar 2021 --- Regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend toward automation and robotics in packaging machinery is continuing at full pace, according to Jörg Spiekermann, sales manager for palletizing and packaging systems in BEUMER Group’s consumer goods business. 

The German intralogistics systems manufacturer is experiencing growing demand for solutions permitting companies “to further relieve their staff, make processes more flexible and increase production and resource efficiency,” Spiekermann tells PackagingInsights.

On request, Beumer creates complete packaging lines, from filling to the palletized stack, allowing interfaces to be omitted or minimized for a single point of contact.

Rise of the robots
Spiekermann pinpoints a trend in the increasing use of robots, for example, in the (petro-) chemical industry.

“Here, the products are filled in special bags, barrels, canisters, cartons or buckets. To palletize them, we offer our space-saving articulated robot, the Beumer robotpac.”

“Depending on the packaged items, Beumer equips the robot with the appropriate gripping system, which can be easily and automatically changed if the packaged items change.”

“The fork gripper, for example, was designed for palletizing bagged goods and cardboard boxes. The finger gripper is particularly suitable for the efficient handling of bagged goods.”Jörg Spiekermann, sales manager for palletizing and packaging systems in Beumer Group’s consumer goods business.

Double grippers
For maximum performance, the company offers a double gripper for fork and finger types. Moreover, it can provide parallel grippers for dimensionally stable packed items, suction grippers for items with a smooth surface and many other special grippers and combination tools.

“The modular structure permits adaptation of this series to special market- and customer-specific requirements,” continues Spiekermann.

Bags stacked accurately on pallets can then be transported to the downstream packaging system – for example, the Beumer stretch hood.

“Our packaging system is highly energy-efficient. An intuitive human-machine interface simplifies operation and makes quick work of film roll changes. Operating parameters can be changed as well,” he adds.

The stretch hood series is a range of modular packaging systems for securing palletized load units using stretch hoods. The intelligent use of film tension ensures maximum protection during transportation.

Remote assistance
Although COVID-19 workplace restrictions are limiting on-site visits, Beumer is supporting its customers with remote technologies, including its Beumer Smart Glasses.

“What happens if, for example, a packaging system in Indonesia or Peru fails?” posits Spiekermann. “Beumer is globally well-positioned with its numerous subsidiaries and representatives and can, if necessary, dispatch one of the worldwide stationed technicians where needed, but even this takes time – provided the corona measures allow it at all.”Beumer’s stretch hood series is a range of modular packaging systems for securing palletized load units.

“Alternatively, we are available around the clock via our hotline. Additionally, customers can work with a service technician while wearing our Beumer Smart Glasses to have all important information displayed in the live image of the camera.”

The glasses empower customers to repair machines themselves, enabling remote commissioning and allowing both parties to look over the whole system.

“Wearing the data glasses, Beumer Customer Support can see the same images as the technician on-site and directly specify the correct actions to take. This way, the user is guided step-by-step through the commissioning process,” explains Spiekermann.

Barcode security
Moreover, Beumer’s barcode system ensures products can be uniquely identified and features all information about product designation, storage site, special handling requirements, inventory and production dates.

The system is available as a conventional barcode system and an RFID system. Both systems can be used together for greater security.

By Joshua Poole