A packaging robot for complex cartons

Abstract

PurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of designing a versatile packaging machine for folding cartons of complex geometry and shapes.Design/methodology/approachThe research conducts study of cartons of different geometry and shapes classifying them in suitable types and operations that a machine can understand, conceptualizing a machine that can handle such cartons, modeling and simulation of the machine, and finally design and development of the packaging machine.FindingsIt has been shown that such a versatile machine is a possibility; it just needs miniaturization and investment on its development when such machines could be a reality.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was aimed at proving the principle, but for practical implementation considerations need to be given for a compact, portable system incorporating sensors.Originality/valueThe design is unique in existence and has been shown to fold cartons of different complexity.