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AI

BOBST’s robotic solutions boost

end-to-end efficiency

P robotics – state-of-the-art technology used in smart ways to
erhaps the perfect example of modern automation is

improve precision, reduce errors, and enhance productivity.
For BOBST, it has been two years since the company fully
entered the world of robotics by acquiring Dücker Robotics,
a world leader in the corrugated board sector for robots in loading and
palletizing. The acquisition reflected BOBST’s focus on automation as
a core pillar of its industry vision to shape the future of the packaging
world, alongside connectivity, digitalization and sustainability. Since
2023, robotics has now become an integral part of the company’s cor-
rugated portfolio, boosting end-to-end efficiency for customers.
Now, with a full range of robotic solutions on offer for loading and
palletizing on flatbed die-cutters, folder-gluers and flexo folder-gluers,
and two years’ experience of cutting-edge robotics under its belt,
BOBST is ready to take the next step.

Robotics proves its value for the corrugated board industry
“Our customers in the corrugated industry have appreciated being able
to efficiently manage their entire production chain from start to finish
with one unique partner,” said Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line able amount of repetitive and strenuous tasks for operators.
Folder-gluers & Robotics. “The robotics solutions were one of the final “The sustainability benefits of robotics are also a big plus for our customers,
pieces of the puzzle to enable this to become reality, enabling automation who want to keep waste to an absolute minimum and improve workplace
of key stages and allowing configuration of complete and seamless produc- conditions,” said Mr. Binggeli. “We foresee a future where robotics are an
tion lines.”
BOBST’s industry-leading robotic solutions include BOBST integral part of all corrugated packaging lines, with fully automated box plants
ROBOLOADER and ROBOPALLETIZER, along with robots ensuring the running at maximum capacity with minimum waste and downtime.”
safe transport and accurate labeling of pallets. BOBST ROBOLOADER Indeed, the success of integrating robotics into the BOBST corrugated offer
automates the transfer of blank piles, eliminating the need for any manual has provided a potential roadmap for BOBST in other industry sectors. It may
intervention at the feeder. The robot ensures regular and consistent sup-
ply to match top machine speeds, enabling optimal production line pro- not be too long before other sectors benefit from BOBST’s robotic solutions,
ductivity. helping customers to meet ever-tightening deadlines and demands for fault-
BOBST ROBOPALLETIZER stacks the piles or batches in various pat- free packaging with minimal waste. Corrugated has shown what’s possible
terns, completely automating the palletizing process. These highly versa- with robotics. Now, let’s see what the future brings.
tile robots offer tailor-made solutions according to each customer’s needs,
thanks to several gripper types and the option to combine various robots. Boosting automation
BOBST ROBOTOP, WRAPPER and ROBOLABEL secure the load,
speed up the secure wrapping process, ensure full protection and correct In 2023, BOBST Group acquired the majority share in Dücker Robotics, a
labelling, guaranteeing that the pallets travel securely to the right destina- world leader in the corrugated board sector for robots in loading and palletiz-
tion. ing. The aim was to pursue the vision for the future of packaging production,

The huge potential of robotics in the future where the entire packaging production line will be inter-connected and auto-
Momentum is gathering. More and more converters are realizing the mated.
potential of robotics beyond simply automating their lines. After merging with a world leader for tailored robotics solutions in the cor-
BOBST’s robotic solutions enable converters to maximize the potential rugated board sector, while offering opportunities in the folding carton indus-
of their equipment, improving speed and productivity in an ever more try, the BOBST portfolio, now allows customers to configure complete,
demanding market environment. In addition, robots help to minimize
waste by adapting specific feeding and palletizing needs which fluidify the automated packaging production lines, from loading to palletizing. The robot-
production process and preserve the integrity of sheets, blanks and boxes. ics portfolio includes solutions for 3 major product lines for corrugated board:
They also contribute to workplace sustainability by removing a consider- folder-gluers, flatbed die-cutters and flexo folder-gluers.

16 PrintWeek MENA June 2025 www.printweekmena.com