The Bremen-based company K-Robotix GmbH is considered the initiator and pacesetter of the Robotik-Pack-Line, in which a consortium of 19 renowned companies — including scientific institutions — combine their areas of expertise in automated food packaging. At ProSweets Cologne 2012 the company once again presented the Robotik-Pack-Line special show together with its partners.

The show featured demonstrations of new comprehensive and detailed solutions for critical points in the packaging of confectionery. The example shown involved the packaging of fine mini chocolate bars. With the help of robot-supported automation, food products were hygienically and securely grasped and placed in trays at high speed. In a further process, the closed packages were inspected, weighed, labelled and packed in shipping cartons. In the end, robot technology was used to automatically remove the packed cartons from the line.

Automated packaging from start to finish.
The Robotik-Pack-Line comprised the following modules:
1. Control unit (CSB System)
2. Separation of products (Toshiba TH 650, K-Robotix)
3. Placement of products in primary packaging (Toshiba TH 650, K-Robotix)
4. Sealing of primary packaging (Sealpac Re25)
5. Product labelling (Markem Imaje)
6. Separation of the primary packages (Toshiba TH 850, K-Robotix)
7. Checking the seal (Elbatron PacInspect)
8. X-ray inspection (Mettler-Toledo)
9. Check weighing with metal detector device (Mettler-Toledo)
10. Labelling of the packages (SES)
11. Checking labels (Mettler-Toledo)
12. Package removal by robot technology (Fanuc M 403-ia, Foodgrade)

Modules 2 and 3 are combined in a “Robo-Pack-Box”, which was developed by K-Robotix in close cooperation with the company heinz mayer GmbH. At Pack-Line Module 2, the distribution gripper for separating products is demonstrated in action. At the module’s separation band, a Toshiba TH-650 Scara robot uses the distribution gripper to suction up six packages of chocolate bars at a time and then set them down individually. The hygiene requirements of the food industry are thus met. The concept for the gripper’s pneumatic system was jointly developed with the company SMC Pneumatik GmbH of Egelsbach, Germany. The second gripper is demonstrated during separation of the primary packages at Module 6.