BOBST’s Robotic Solutions Boost Efficiency in the Packaging Industry

BOBST has revolutionised corrugated packaging by integrating Dücker Robotics into its portfolio. Solutions like ROBOLOADER and ROBOPALLETIZER automate end-to-end production, matching high machine speeds while handling complex die-cut shapes. This shift eliminates manual intervention, reduces waste, and enhances workplace sustainability by removing strenuous, repetitive tasks for operators.

Automation has become a central driver for the packaging industry, enabling faster, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions. The perfect example of modern automation is robotics – state-of-the-art technology used in smart ways to improve precision, reduce errors, and enhance productivity.

For BOBST, it has been three years since the company fully entered the world of robotics by acquiring Dücker Robotics, a world leader in the corrugated board sector for robots in loading and palletizing. The acquisition reflected BOBST’s focus on automation as a core pillar of its industry vision to shape the future of the packaging world, alongside connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability. Since 2023, robotics has now become an integral part of the company’s corrugated portfolio, boosting end-to-end efficiency for customers.

Now, with a full range of robotic solutions on offer for loading and palletizing on flatbed die-cutters, folder-gluers and flexo folder-gluers, and two years’ experience of cutting-edge robotics under its belt, BOBST is ready to take the next step.

Robotics Proves Its Value for the Corrugated Board Industry

“Our customers in the corrugated industry have appreciated being able to efficiently manage their entire production chain from start to finish with one unique partner,” said Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line Folder-gluers & Robotics. “The robotics solutions were one of the final pieces of the puzzle to enable this to become reality, enabling automation of key stages and allowing configuration of complete and seamless production lines.”

BOBST’s industry-leading robotic solutions include ROBOLOADER and ROBOPALLETIZER, along with robots ensuring the safe transport and accurate labeling of pallets.

ROBOLOADER automates the transfer of blank piles, eliminating the need for any manual intervention at the feeder. The robot ensures regular and consistent supply to match top machine speeds, enabling optimal production line productivity.

One of the major strengths of ROBOLOADER is its ability to handle complex die-cut shapes and multi-out blanks, which are increasingly common in modern corrugated production. Advanced gripping and handling technology allows the robot to manage a wide range of formats while maintaining sheet integrity. When required, optional overturning functions ensure that blanks are always fed in the correct orientation.

To provide maximum operational flexibility, ROBOLOADER can be bypassed and put offline if needed, allowing the folder-gluer to operate using only the conveyor. Depending on layout complexity and production volume, it can be supplied either in a single-robot configuration or as a dual-robot system, ensuring the solution is tailored to each plant’s specific needs.

ROBOPALLETIZER stacks the piles or batches in various patterns, completely automating the palletizing process. These highly versatile robots offer tailor-made solutions according to each customer’s needs, thanks to several gripper types and the option to combine various robots.

ROBOTOP, WRAPPER and ROBOLABEL secure the load, speed up the secure wrapping process, ensure full protection and correct labeling, guaranteeing that the pallets travel securely to the right destination.

The Huge Potential of Robotics in the Future

Momentum is gathering. More and more converters are realizing the potential of robotics beyond simply automating their lines.

BOBST’s robotic solutions enable converters to maximize the potential of their equipment, improving speed and productivity in an ever more demanding market environment. In addition, robots help to minimize waste by adapting specific feeding and palletizing needs which fluidify the production process and preserve the integrity of sheets, blanks and boxes. They also contribute to workplace sustainability by removing a considerable amount of repetitive and strenuous tasks for operators.

Indeed, the success of integrating robotics into the BOBST corrugated offer has provided a potential roadmap for BOBST in other industry sectors.