Dematic lands customer for automatic palletizing

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Dematic has sold a new robotics solution to a large supplier in the food distribution industry.

Unlike other industries such as manufacturing, food distribution has not been a traditional market for robotic automation. But with special challenges — including finding labour resources to work in temperature-controlled environments — more companies are seeking innovations that can both solve immediate issues and provide a competitive advantage.

Frozen product entering the distribution centre will be depalletized and loaded onto transfer conveyor by the first robot.

As the cases arrive at the palletizing cell, a second robot will arrange the cases on pallets specifically designed for store delivery. Software and controls ensure the pallets are built to meet the daily needs of the individual stores.

“We are just beginning to realize the potential of robotic solutions for solving critical picking and sorting challenges in distribution centres,” says Crystal Parrott, vice-president of the Dematic Robotics Center of Excellence.

“Dematic is fully committed to providing the automation innovations that will change the way companies tackle their fulfillment challenges.”