The new autonomous collaborative robot (cobot) is a 6-axis Omron and is part of a new automation solution applied by the company

Muller Technology, a leading global provider of molds and automation solutions for thin-wall packaging, announced the launch of the first cobot case packer in the lid and container packaging industry.

The new autonomous collaborative robot (cobot) is a 6-axis Omron and is part of a new automation solution applied by the company. The case packer cobot helps processors bridge a significant labor shortage gap in the Plastics Processing Industry across the United States.

Additionally, the new cobot provides greater versatility, flexibility and productivity.

Cobots could fix labor shortages

“In these tough economic times, the cobot case packer helps processors struggling to fill unskilled labor positions while meeting COVID-19 social distancing requirements,” explained Taras Konowal, Director of Sales and Marketing for North America.

According to the manager, the jobs of the packers are very repetitive and unsatisfactory, but very necessary for productivity. The case packer cobot enables molders to reallocate their workforce to more productive and satisfying jobs.

Industry data shows that while baby boomers 55 and older make up 27% of the US manufacturing workforce. A total of 10,000 boomers are reaching retirement age every day. The problem for plastic manufacturers is that millennials and Generation X are not interested in filling the manufacturing gaps left by boomers, surveys show.

Cobots like the one implemented by Muller Technology work closely with an employee who performs many basic tasks. When an employee approaches the robot, it slows down but keeps running. Unlike traditional industrial robots, the new system does not require external protection and all security features are built into the cobot.