Robotic functionality was a clear trend at interpack. It was a subtle but profound change, with machines being transformed into clusters of robot arms synchronized to servo-driven belts.

ELAU’s IEC conforming PacDrive robotic software library proved quite popular, permitting several machine builders featured in this special interpack edition of Packaging Automation to develop incorporate robots into their new designs.

Not only does the PacDrive automation system eliminate the need for proprietary robot controllers, it allowed the builders to focus on creating innovative robot arm mechanics—without needing to become kinematics experts.

As a result, robotic modules were introduced by Cavanna, Pester, Somic, Waechter and other ELAU customers. The new designs replace conventional infeed, collating, cartoning and case packing machines with extremely agile robot modules that are infinitely adjustable to future format changes.