Shared robot, fixed pallet bays
Multiple infeeds and pallet positions within one work envelope. Useful where product and pallet routes are compact and coordinated.
Central end-of-line automation
Multi-line palletising systems for shared robots, multiple SKUs and continuous pallet flow.
Combine demand from two or more packaging lines where cycle-time, buffering, reach and production resilience support it. We model line priority, product routing, pallet destinations and operator access before defining the cell.
Quick answer
A multi-line palletiser is feasible only when combined demand fits the robot cycle and the cell can absorb production peaks.
A useful study maps each line’s products per minute, peak behaviour, pallet patterns and changeovers. It then tests robot motion, buffer capacity, line-priority rules, pallet exchange and recovery from simultaneous demand or equipment stops.
Architecture choices
Ways to serve more than one line.
Central palletising area
Product conveyors route several lines to one or more robots, with automatic pallet, sheet and full-load handling.
Independent cells
Separate palletisers can simplify interfaces and protect line availability. They should remain part of the commercial comparison.
Engineering inputs
Prove capacity, routing and resilience together.
| Design question | Why it matters | Evidence to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Combined demand | Simultaneous peaks can exceed a robot that appears adequate on average. | Rate by line and SKU, peak duration, shifts and expected line availability. |
| Buffering | Accumulation decouples short events but can consume space and complicate product tracking. | Permitted accumulation time, pack stability and stop/start constraints. |
| SKU destination | Each product must reach the correct pallet, pattern and customer order. | SKU list, identification method, pallet rules and changeover frequency. |
| Pallet exchange | Waiting for a forklift or empty pallet can stop more than one production line. | Manual or automatic workflow, pallet types and full-load collection route. |
| Fault strategy | A shared asset can affect several lines unless recovery and bypass routes are planned. | Required resilience, maintenance access and acceptable fallback process. |
Integrated line control
Keep product identity and pallet state synchronised.
Line arbitration
Defined priorities choose the next valid pick without starving another production line.
Recipe control
Product, tool, pallet and pattern parameters change as one validated production recipe.
Pallet tracking
Build state, destination, sheet requirements and full-pallet status remain visible.
Safe access
Pallet exchange and intervention zones are designed so permitted work is clear and controlled.
Related palletising guidance
Continue planning your system.
Complete cell integration
Explore conveyors, pallet handling, PLC/HMI and safety scope.
Read this guidePallet pattern programming
Control multi-SKU recipes and validated changeovers.
Read this guideRobot palletiser cost guide
Compare central and independent cells on a complete installed scope.
Read this guideFrequently asked questions
Multi-line palletising questions, answered.
Can one robot palletise products from two production lines?
Yes, when the combined cycle demand, travel distance, buffering and pallet-change sequence fit the required output and availability. A time study should include peaks, simultaneous demand and fault recovery—not just average rate.
What is a dual-pallet palletiser?
A dual-pallet layout provides two pallet positions. It may allow one pallet to be exchanged while the robot builds another, separate SKUs or patterns, or route products to different destinations. The safety and access sequence must be engineered around the chosen workflow.
How are different SKUs routed?
Product identification, line source, barcode data or recipe selection can be used to direct compatible products to the correct pallet. The PLC tracks product and pallet status and prevents an invalid placement.
What happens if one upstream line stops?
The control strategy can continue serving other available lines where the layout and recipes allow it. Buffer limits, priority rules and recovery behaviour are agreed during the functional design.
Is one central cell better than separate palletisers?
It depends. A central cell may reduce duplicated equipment and automate pallet flow, while separate cells can provide simpler interfaces and production independence. The comparison should consider rate, space, resilience, future expansion and maintenance access.