Needle Feeder 300

Challenges

The available layout offered limited space, while the line required high process stability at a continuous ramp-up. The different box variants showed real-world tolerances that caused disturbances with conventional mechanical feeders. The system also needed to be easy to clean, fully GMP-compliant, and seamlessly integrated into the existing control architecture.

Our Solution

Robomat developed a specialized needle feeder that covers the entire process chain from pallet entry to the line handover. Shippers are opened automatically, needle boxes are detected via vision, singulated, and oriented. A compact robot handles the products and compensates for dimensional tolerances in real time. The infeed is directly synchronized with the downstream machine so that the line operates as one integrated unit.

Special Features

• Stable operation at 300 units per minute despite variable box quality
• Tolerance compensation through robotic gripping kinematics and machine vision
• Complete automation from pallet reception to line infeed
• Space-saving design tailored to the existing layout
• GMP-compliant execution with short cleaning times
• Full integration into the downstream machine, including feedback and interlocks

Processes

  • Needle Feeder

    Needle Feeder

    The Needle Feeder is an unpacking and feeding system for cardboard and inner packaging. It processes shipper boxes from pallets, separates the needle boxes, and feeds them at a rate of 300 or 400 pieces per minute with high process reliability.

Images & Media