Cobots Inc. to offer automation systems for packaging industry

Cobots Inc. has been established as a standalone company which specializes in the development of advanced automation solutions utilizing collaborative robots tailored to meet the diverse needs of small- and medium-sized businesses across the packaging industry. The new company – which targets a range of industries including plastics, pharmaceuticals and beyond - is the sister company of Proco Machinery Inc., a leading manufacturer of automation systems for the blow molding industry,

“Our mission is to redefine the way industries operate by providing cutting-edge cobot solutions. We are dedicated to empowering businesses with innovative automation technologies that streamline processes, improve efficiency, and elevate workplace safety,” said John McCormick, Director of Cobots Inc. “Our team is passionate about delivering tailored automation solutions that drive sustainable growth and success for our clients.”

Collaborative robots (also called co-bots) are designed to work alongside human workers, assisting them with a variety of tasks. Since they are affordable and highly adaptable, manufacturers are eager to adopt this technology and huge growth is expected in the next few years, according to McCormick. The emergence of collaborative robots is tied to the ability to place them alongside humans in small-spaced assembly lines, along with their affordability and ability to be easily trained. They are flexible and can handle short runs and repetitive jobs.

“Collaborative robotic systems are seeing strong growth in the blow molding industry due to the need for greater efficiency and automation,” explained McCormick. “These systems are being designed in such a way that they complement the production line and provide simplified operation, a smaller footprint, and enhanced efficiencies.” These collaborative robotic systems reduce the handling of the container and provide an excellent return-on-investment (ROI), says McCormick.

With a ROI of less than a year, cobot solutions are a cost-effective option for the manufacturing industry, providing a safe and low-cost alternative to traditional methods. With the ability to easily adapt to a variety of repetitive manufacturing situations, cobot solutions can be tailored to specific needs. They offer advanced robotic automation benefits without added cost. With a two- to eight-month payback period, it's now affordable for small- and mid-sized manufacturers, according to McCormick.

With lightweight and flexible design, cobots can be easily redeployed to multiple locations without changing the production layout and support agile manufacturing processes with minimal set-up time. New robotic technology allows programming the cobot movements without a dedicated programmer. Intuitive tools and logical process steps make it easy for operators with no programming experience to streamline their operations.

Cobots also address labor shortages by assisting workers with repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and reducing injury risks. Cobots have safety features that immediately stop motion when contact is made with a person or object, which means they don't require the enhanced safety components associated with industrial robots.

Cobots are impacting a range of manufacturing aspects including material handling, process assembly, quality inspection, and palletizing. They are tailored to meet the dynamic needs of modern packaging industries, ensuring seamless integration and performance.

Sister company Proco Machinery is heavily involved in collaborative robot technology, recently launching a super-compact palletizer system with collaborative robots for blow-molded containers. Proco’s latest automation technology also includes the collaborative robotic Robo Packer case packer.