Manufacturers turn to robotics and automation for increased flexibility, safety and efficiency.
Manufacturers looking to improve production line efficiency are turning to automation and robotics to increase safety and flexibility throughout the supply chain. According to the Trends in Robotics 2014 study from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, 72 percent of manufacturers are using robotics in the supply chain. As they implement these technologies, manufacturers increase efficiency while protecting the integrity of their brands and enhancing consumer safety.
Today’s manufacturers must be equipped to quickly respond to customers’ needs. Diversifying demands for different flavors, healthy ingredients and a range of pack styles are driving a movement to smaller batch production. As a result, manufacturers are seeking solutions that provide flexibility and faster changeover to keep operations efficient and profitable. Robots have extremely fast and accurate product handling abilities. End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) in robotics enables the identification of products by color, size and shape. Moreover, transporting items from one place to another is a fast and simple process with the use of robotics. Additionally, automation allows manufacturers to utilize their employees’ skills for less repetitive jobs and other high-value tasks.