On February 20, Barcelona Packaging Hub, in collaboration with B&R, hosted a key technical workshop for the packaging industry. The event, held at ABB Group’s facilities, brought together professionals, machinery manufacturers, and technology experts to explore cutting-edge automation and packaging solutions that are reshaping the future of the sector.
Barcelona Packaging Hub remains committed to collaborating with leading technology and automation companies to provide its members with advanced tools that optimize production and product customization for end customers.
During the workshop, attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand the solutions developed by B&R and ABB Robotics to enhance efficiency and flexibility in the packaging industry. Key topics discussed included the importance of automation at all stages of the packaging process, the optimization of robotic trajectories, and the impact of digitalization on decision-making.
Mass Customization with B&R: A Key Factor for the Future of Innovative Packaging
The first presentation, delivered by Wlady Martino, Global Industry Segment Manager at B&R, explored how the company’s advanced solutions are enabling mass customization in the packaging industry. In a landscape where e-commerce and omnichannel strategies demand greater adaptability, Martino explained how advanced automation allows for customized packaging production without compromising efficiency.
Adaptive packaging solutions play a crucial role in providing the flexibility needed to meet increasing market expectations, ensuring both efficient and personalized production. It was emphasized that customization does not replace mass production but rather complements it, enabling market expansion and meeting the demand for flexibility.
Technologies such as ACOPOS 6D are revolutionizing format changes with their six degrees of freedom, eliminating downtime and optimizing production without requiring hardware modifications.
The machinery manufacturers associated with Barcelona Packaging Hub are also integrating these technologies into their equipment, offering solutions that enable flexible, scalable, and customer-driven production. This represents a competitive advantage and strengthens innovation in the packaging sector.
Robotic Applications in the Packaging Industry
The second presentation was delivered by Xavier Piferrer, Food & Beverage Segment Manager at ABB Robotics, who explained the role of robotic applications in the packaging sector. Through practical demonstrations and case studies, Piferrer showcased how robots are transforming key tasks such as primary picking, case forming, and end-of-line palletizing.
The presentation highlighted the importance of automation at every stage of the packaging process, from high-speed picking to case packing with anthropomorphic and delta robots. Additionally, solutions such as advanced simulation tools, including RobotStudio, were introduced, demonstrating how they help optimize production, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
These solutions allow Hub machinery manufacturers to offer more efficient equipment that reduces production times, minimizes errors, and improves adaptability to different formats and market demands. In addition to boosting productivity, the application of robotics in packaging enhances workplace safety and supports the sustainability of industrial processes.
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Barcelona Packaging Hub: Commitment to Innovation
This technical workshop reaffirms Barcelona Packaging Hub’s commitment to innovation and technological development in the packaging sector.
Through collaborations with strategic partners like B&R, we continue to drive the implementation of advanced technologies among our members, helping packaging machinery manufacturers maintain their leadership in the industry with more efficient and sustainable solutions.
At the Hub, we will continue organizing events and technical workshops to promote knowledge-sharing and the application of disruptive technologies in packaging manufacturing.
We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, and collaborators who made this event possible, contributing to the growth and evolution of the industry.
