With 17 halls, 2,668 exhibitors and 176,000 visitors, it is difficult to get a handle on interpack 2005 in Dusseldorf, Germany. There was a lot to think about, including the following insights.

Ease of use

A move to “simple to operate” machinery featured not necessarily back to mechanical design, but employing control software in a transparent manner—reducing cost and appealing to a wider audience.

Simplified programming

In the same vein, controls suppliers are offering up function block libraries to get more OEMs to take the plunge into servo technology. This makes perfect sense and goes hand in hand with the trend cited above.

Robots

Not only traditional end-of line palletizing, we also saw more robot arms integrated into pick and place machines, tray packers, etc.

Machine safety

Instead of shutting down completely to clear a jam there is a move in Europe to offer redundant controls that would “freeze” the machine in safe mode. Does not sound OSHA-friendly from the outset, but as we’ve seen, many European trends find their way to the United States.

Messe Dusseldorf GmbH
www.interpack.com
Phone: 312-781-5180