Swisslog has launched a full automated packing robot named ACPaQ for creating mixed pallets within the context of intralogistics and supply chain operations, in partnership with KUKA Robotics Group.
By automating the process of packing customised mixed pallets from single-SKU pallets, the ACPaQ system fulfils one of the most important functions in intralogistics.
ACPaQ combines a modular robotics solutions for de-palletising and palletising with Swisslog’s CycloneCarrier shuttle technology and is controlled by the SynQ warehouse management software.
Compared to traditional methods for sorting and selection, ACPaQ doubles or even triples the speed of picking cartons in distribution centres based on the facility layout, item groups or item classes.
At the core of the ACPaQ solution is the RowPaQ cell featuring a five-axis jointed-arm KUKA robot.
It is equipped with a flexible gripper with adjustable forks which allows it to pick up as many as four cartons at a time even if they don’t have the same size or weight.
A RowPaQ cell is capable of setting down 1,000 cartons per hour and additional RowPaQ cells can be added to the system to increase throughput as required.
Robot-based palletising according to an intelligently organised process, with Swisslog’s software performing a complex calculation process based on product parameters to determine the best way to load the pallet, before feeding the RowPaQ robot through the CycloneCarrier shuttle system.
“ACPaQ is the perfect combination of KUKA and Swisslog know-how,” says Dr Christian Baur, chief operations officer of the Swisslog Group and CEO of Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions.
“As a result, our customers benefit from a solution that significantly outperforms manual palletising processes not only in terms of packing density and dimensional stability but also in terms of cost effectiveness and ergonomics.”
