Why Automate Depalletizing with Industrial Robots

Robotic depalletizing involves using industrial robots to unload items from pallets. The FANUC M-410ib/160 along with other depalletizing robots can unload pallets in a variety of ways including by layers, rows, or item by item. Depalletizing has largely been a manual process in the past, but with the growth of robotic automation manufacturers are now fully automating the process with industrial robots.

Reasons to Automate Depalletizing with Industrial Robots

• • Reduce Ergonomic Issues - One of the biggest challenges of manual palletizing is how laborious it is. Repetitive lifting and moving of objects, especially when heavy loads are involved, makes workers susceptible to injuries and fatigue. Removing workers from the depalletizing process and using industrial robotic arms instead creates a safer work environment and reduces ergonomic issues for companies. The ABB IRB 6640-180 is designed for repetitive, heavy lifting. With better ergonomics, work related injuries and injury claims are reduced.


• • Reduce Manual Labor - Automating depalletizing with the Yaskawa Motoman MPL160 reduces manual labor requirements for your factory. With less workers needed, labor costs will decrease. With robot manipulators there is no need to pay for salaries, benefits, training, or injury claims. Turnover issues which are common in manufacturing are also reduced. Combating turnover with a manufacturing robot arm prevents labor shortages.


• • Faster Cycle Times - Industrial robot arms can operate around the clock, turning a twelve hour facility into a twenty-four hour one. They also operate continuously at fast speeds. Both of these advantages of depalletizing robots allow for greater productivity which results in faster cycle times. Fast and consistent depalletizing eliminates bottlenecks. Manual palletizing is dependent upon the pace of workers which can be slow and inconsistent.


• • Increase Manufacturing Reliability - Robotic automation can make depalletizing reliable and predictable. Factory robots are programmed to perform the same steps over and over without deviation. They are always able to operate as unexpected downtime is rare. There are no breaks, holidays, or sick days with handling robots making depalletizing extremely reliable. The reliability of six axis robots not only provides consistent labor but also allows manufacturers to be able to predict and properly plan productivity rates.


• • Allows for Handling of Variety of Items - Palletizing robots can handle the depalletizing of a variety of items. Whether is is cases, bags, boxes, trays, pails, or cans, they can accurately and safely handle any item. They can depalletize single item pallets or mixed item pallets. Depalletizing robots are incredibly adaptable, giving manufacturers greater flexibility. Robotic manipulators are also scaleable. As operations grow, they can adjust to increased throughput or process changes without the need to add additional labor.


• • Can Automate Palletizing - Most depalletizing robots can also automate palletizing applications. This gives manufacturers the flexibility to automate both the loading and unloading of pallets with the FANUC R-2000ib/165F. The ability to automate multiple applications with a single robot reduces the amount of equipment and labor needed, streamlining operations.