In a move that reflects its broader strategy to drive automation, connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability, Bobst is making significant strides with its robotics portfolio – revolutionizing operations across the corrugated packaging sector and laying the groundwork for expansion into adjacent industries.
Two years after acquiring Ducker Robotics, a renowned specialist in robotic solutions for the corrugated board industry, Bobst has integrated advanced robotic capabilities into its production lines. This strategic move has significantly enhanced the company’s offering in flatbed die-cutters, folder-gluers, and flexo folder-gluers, delivering end-to-end efficiency to its customers.
“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 and 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 robotic lineup includes solutions such as the Roboloader and Robopalletizer, designed to automate key production steps. The Roboloader eliminates manual feeding by automatically transferring blank piles, ensuring a steady supply to maintain maximum production speed. Meanwhile, the Robopalletizer automates the stacking process, accommodating various stacking patterns with high customization thanks to interchangeable grippers and the option to integrate multiple robotic units.
Additional systems like Robotop, Wrapper, and Robolabel further enhance automation by securing loads, accelerating the wrapping process, and ensuring accurate labeling, streamlining the entire post-production logistics chain.
As converters face growing market pressures, many are recognizing the broader value of robotics – not just in terms of automation, but also in improving operational efficiency and sustainability. By tailoring robotic operations to specific production needs, Bobst’s solutions reduce waste, protect product integrity, and alleviate repetitive manual tasks, thereby improving workplace conditions.
“The sustainability benefits of robotics are also a big plus for our customers, who want to keep waste to an absolute minimum and improve workplace conditions,” said Binggeli. “We foresee a future where robotics is an integral part of all corrugated packaging lines, with fully automated box plants running at maximum capacity with minimum waste and downtime.”
