The packaging industry is constantly evolving, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in this process. According to a study by the consulting firm McKinsey, AI could increase productivity in the packaging industry by 20%. AI offers packaging companies a number of benefits, such as improved efficiency, cost reduction and the creation of new products and services.

Packaging machinery manufacturers can also benefit from AI

Packaging machinery manufacturers can also benefit from Artificial Intelligence. AI can be used to improve the design and manufacture of packaging machines, which can lead to greater efficiency, productivity and profitability.

One of the ways in which AI can benefit packaging machinery manufacturers is to improve machine design. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify opportunities for improvement in packaging machine design. For example, AI can be used to optimize the shape and size of machines, or to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes.

On the other hand, AI helps automate repetitive tasks, such as machine inspection or quality control, and can free up employees to focus on more specific tasks.

Collaborative robots and vision systems

Aside from AI, collaborative robots and vision systems are technologies that have the potential to transform the packaging industry.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are robots that can work safely alongside humans. This makes them ideal for packaging applications where workers must manually handle products. Cobots can perform repetitive and dangerous tasks, freeing workers to focus on more complex tasks. Another study, conducted by IDTechEx, estimates that the market for collaborative robots in the packaging industry will reach $1.2 billion by 2026. Collaborative robots are gaining popularity in the packaging industry due to their safety, flexibility and ability to work alongside humans.

Vision systems enable robots to identify and manipulate objects with precision. This is essential for packaging applications, where products must be accurately placed in boxes or trays. Vision systems can also be used to perform quality inspections, helping to ensure that products meet standards.

Here are some examples of how collaborative robots and vision systems are used in packaging machinery manufacturing:

• Picking and placing: cobots can be used to pick products from production lines and place them in boxes or trays. This can help reduce the time and effort required for this process.
• Labeling: collaborative robots can be used to apply labels to products accurately and uniformly. This helps to ensure that products are correctly labeled and that the information is legible.
• Palletizing: cobots can be used to stack boxes or trays on pallets. This can help increase productivity and reduce the risk of injury to workers.
• Quality inspection: vision systems can be used to inspect products for defects or contamination. This helps ensure that products meet quality standards.

Guidelines for packaging machinery manufacturers

To take advantage of the benefits of these technologies, packaging machinery manufacturers need to:

1. Research the latest trends in these technologies: there are a number of companies that are developing innovative solutions in these areas. Machinery manufacturers must be aware of these trends in order to be able to offer their customers the latest innovations.
2. Train your employees in these technologies: these technologies are complex and require specific training. Machine builders must train their employees in these technologies so that they can use them effectively.
3. Partner with companies that are leaders in these technologies: companies that are leaders in these technologies can offer machine builders access to the latest technologies and know-how. Manufacturers should consider partnering with these companies to take advantage of their benefits, as is the case with Barcelona Packaging Huban association of packaging machinery companies located in the Barcelona area which aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the needs of the packaging industry, covering the entire packaging cycle with high quality machines and the latest technology.