Packaging is a constantly shifting environment. However, unlike the rest of production, packaging processes have been slow to uptake new technologies. Thankfully, with the rise of developments in technology, like sensors, human-machine interfaces and motion control, flexibility of the packaging line is better than ever.

What exactly does it mean? That’s what I asked myself recently when I was at the Automate Show in Chicago. Let’s explore this buzzword.

Modern society has come a long way since the arrival of the Model T in 1908. From the early days of hand-cranking, no heat, unreliable mechanical performance and loud, dirty engines, there is no doubt that today’s automobile is a marvel by comparison.