Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), a North American leader in automation engineering and advanced material handling solutions, has deployed four robotic roll handling systems tailored for converting industry applications.

The systems are now operating at a major Midwest packaging converter, addressing one of the converting sector’s persistent material handling challenges – the safe and efficient movement of heavy coils and rolls. AMT’s solution leverages its expertise in robotics, autonomous mobile robot (AMR) integration, and advanced material handling to automate what has traditionally been a manual, labor-intensive task.

“Roll handling is one of the most physically demanding and risk-prone tasks in manufacturing,” said AMT President Craig Salvalaggio. Designed for flexibility across multiple roll sizes and pallet formats, the systems feature programmable controls via HMI or pendant, automatic tool-changers, and seamless integration with barcode scanning, vision systems, and infeed/outfeed equipment.

AMT highlighted adaptability to customer operations, with options to interface with conveyors, forklifts or AMRs, minimizing changeover complexity without the need for additional engineering support. The initiative builds on AMT’s broader material handling capabilities, which include robotics with sensing, motion control and system-level coordination – a portfolio that also supports palletizing, machine tending and line-side transfer applications.

The announcement underscores AMT’s continued expansion into converting industry automation, aligning with its established end-of-line and material handling engineering services. AMT will also showcase its roll handling solutions at the Converters Expo 2026.