Products
Dimensions, mass, surface, rigidity, variation and sample availability for every SKU.
Automatic palletiser specification
A practical buyer’s guide to robotic palletising systems.
Compare suppliers and system concepts using the same production evidence. This checklist covers product data, throughput, pallet formats, stack height, grippers, footprint, safety, controls, testing and handover.
Quick answer
Define the palletising task before comparing robot models or headline prices.
The most useful enquiry describes every approved product, output by format, pallet and layer rules, maximum stack height, shift pattern, floor space, operator tasks, safety constraints and interfaces. Suppliers can then quote against the same boundary and acceptance evidence.
Project checklist
Eight inputs that shape an automatic palletiser.
Output
Products per minute by format, peaks, shifts, uptime expectation and future demand.
Pallets
UK/CHEP, Euro or custom sizes, patterns, layer sheets, overhang and stack height.
Floor space
Dimensioned layout, ceiling, columns, access doors, forklift routes and maintenance zones.
Line interface
Infeed height, pack spacing, accumulation, signals, downstream wrapper and warehouse route.
Operators
Pallet loading, sheet replenishment, recipe change, fault recovery and cleaning tasks.
Environment
Temperature, dust, moisture, washdown, hygiene zone, utilities and site standards.
Acceptance
Products, patterns, run duration, rate, changeover, recovery and documentation evidence.
Cobot vs industrial robot
Compare the complete machine, not the arm category.
| Decision area | Cobot palletiser | Industrial robot palletiser |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fit | Compact, flexible, moderate-rate and moderate-payload applications where the complete risk assessment supports the concept. | Higher rate, payload, reach or duty and applications suited to a separated safeguarded cell. |
| Safety | Collaborative functions do not make the entire application automatically guard-free; product, tool and trapping risks still apply. | Commonly integrated with guarding, interlocked access, scanners and defined safe operating modes. |
| Reach and stack height | May need a lift axis or raised base, included in payload, stability and safety assessment. | Dedicated four-axis and long-reach platforms can cover larger envelopes and multiple pallet positions. |
| Commercial comparison | Include base, tool, lift, sensing, pallet fixtures, safety, controls and installation. | Include robot, tool, conveyors, guarding, controls, pallet automation and installation. |
Acceptance and handover
Put production proof into the purchase specification.
Define representative products and patterns, output conditions, changeover, pallet exchange, fault recovery and documentation before build. This gives supplier and customer one measurable target.
- Factory acceptance products and quantities agreed
- Rate and run-duration method documented
- Known exclusions and site-only interfaces listed
- Safety verification and technical documentation included
- Operator and maintenance training scope defined
Ready for a review?
Send one product-and-line data pack.
A spreadsheet of SKUs, pallet drawings, layout and short production video usually answers more than a long equipment wish list.
Send your project briefRelated palletising guidance
Continue planning your system.
Frequently asked questions
Robot palletiser buying questions, answered.
What information should I send a palletiser supplier?
Send the full product matrix, dimensions and mass, rate by SKU, pallet drawings and patterns, maximum load height, shifts, available floor plan, line photos or video, utilities, environment and upstream/downstream interfaces.
Should I choose the robot brand first?
Usually the production task should be defined first. Payload, reach, cycle, tooling, environment, maintainability, controls standards and service requirements can then guide platform selection.
What pallet sizes can a robot palletiser handle?
Systems can be engineered for common UK/CHEP, Euro and compatible custom pallets where the dimensions, entry direction, condition, load overhang and stack-height envelope are defined. Multiple formats may require recipes, stops or controlled adjustment.
What should a factory acceptance test include?
The test should use agreed representative products and patterns, with defined output, run duration, changeover, fault recovery, pick confirmation, pallet exchange and safety checks. Site-only interfaces should be listed separately.
What is the difference between a cobot and industrial palletiser?
A cobot uses a collaborative robot platform and can suit certain compact, moderate-rate applications, but the completed machine still needs risk assessment. An industrial robot is commonly selected for higher speed, payload, reach or duty and normally operates in a safeguarded cell.
How long does a palletising project take?
Lead time depends on scope, design approvals, robot and component availability, product trials, build, software, factory testing, site readiness and installation windows. A reliable programme follows an agreed technical scope rather than a generic date.
What should a palletising trial prove for mixed cases?
Provide case dimensions, weights and the required pallet patterns, including any interlayers. Assess gripping, placement and the stability of the completed load. Define format changes, pallet replenishment and the handover from the packaging line so the proposed cell can be evaluated across the actual production mix.
- Case range and pallet patterns
- Gripping and load stability
- Replenishment and format changes
Related guidance: Robotic depalletising · Multi-line systems