When producers take into consideration automating end-of-line operations, one query nearly at all times comes first: What does a palletizing answer actually price?
The quick reply: it relies upon. The complete reply: it’s not only a price; it’s a strategic funding in effectivity, consistency, and scalability.
At Robotiq, we’ve redefined what automation means for the manufacturing facility flooring. By The Lean Palletizing Expertise, we assist producers transfer from guide to automated cobot palletizing with digital readability, production-ready pace, and modular scalability.
The larger image behind automation prices
Automation prices aren’t solely about {hardware}. They’re about time, complexity, and the way shortly you begin seeing outcomes.
Producers are sometimes pressured to decide on between two extremes:
- Inflexible pre-packaged techniques that may’t adapt to altering wants.
- Customized-built tasks that require heavy engineering and lengthy timelines.
Neither possibility delivers the flexibleness or predictability that trendy manufacturing calls for. That’s why Robotiq presents two clear paths inside one unified expertise: PAL Prepared and PAL Sequence. However extra on that later. Let’s take a better have a look at total prices and a few issues to consider for {custom} options first.
Cobot System Prices: What’s Included?
Whenever you’re budgeting for automation, it’s essential to acknowledge that the cobot arm is just one a part of the equation. To really get worth from the cobot, you’ll want further components, together with:
- Finish-Effector: That is the a part of the system that interacts with the product, akin to a gripper or suction cup, and its price varies relying on the precise activity.
- Integration & Setup: Relying in your manufacturing line, chances are you’ll want to switch present techniques (conveyors, air techniques, electrical infrastructure) to accommodate the cobot.
- Software program & Programming: A cobot may require {custom} programming to perform in your particular atmosphere, or, in some instances, chances are you’ll want a specialised interface to assist the cobot work together together with your present techniques.
When you’re choosing a turnkey system the place every thing is pre-packaged and able to go, the price of a cobot system might be fairly cheap.
Nonetheless, in case your software requires a extra custom-made answer, the associated fee can escalate shortly. In these instances, the price of engineering experience and the time required to create a tailor-made system can drive the full price a lot larger.
Customized Options Issues
One of many greatest components that may enhance the price of a cobot system is {custom} engineering. You probably have a posh activity that requires particular tooling or specialised modifications to your manufacturing line, you’ll must put money into engineers to design and implement the answer.
Engineering expertise, notably these skilled with automation techniques, is in excessive demand and might come at a premium. Customized options additionally are inclined to have longer lead occasions, that means you’ll must plan forward for the potential delays in getting your system up and operating. Moreover, {custom} techniques may face reliability challenges since they usually incorporate distinctive parts that haven’t been mass-produced or completely examined over time.
That being mentioned, a {custom} answer could also be crucial for sure duties, and in these instances, the elevated funding may yield useful enhancements in effectivity and productiveness.
Nonetheless, in case your activity is comparatively easy, an off-the-shelf system can do the job successfully whereas additionally holding prices down.
PAL Prepared, production-ready from day one
As talked about earlier, producers are sometimes pressured to decide on between two extremes: inflexible pre-packaged techniques that may’t adapt to manufacturing modifications and custom-built tasks that require heavy engineering and lengthy timelines.
PAL Prepared and PAL Sequence provide a 3rd possibility.
PAL Prepared is a absolutely assembled and production-ready palletizing cell—able to run on-site the second it reaches your facility.
It’s constructed for producers who need outcomes instantly, with out the complications of design phases or programming delays.
Key options embrace:
- Sensible Infeed – routinely delivers containers on the proper time and place.
- Mobility options – transfer between strains or clear flooring area in minutes.
- Constructed-in security scanners – guarantee safety with out cumbersome fencing.
- PowerPick Multi Vacuum Gripper – handles product modifications with zero changeovers.
With PAL Prepared, you may begin palletizing on day one and attain ROI sooner by means of predictable efficiency and minimal downtime.
PAL Sequence, modular palletizing that grows with you
For amenities that want extra flexibility, PAL Sequence presents a modular method constructed on Robotiq’s commonplace PE and AX Sequence fashions.
You’ll be able to configure your system to match your software—whether or not it’s including new SKUs, altering field dimensions, or increasing to a number of strains.
Each PAL Sequence cell shares the identical:
- Operator interface and software program.
- Digital instruments for design and validation.
- Lean Robotics logic for constant outcomes throughout all websites.
Which means once you develop, you don’t begin over; you scale inside the identical dependable expertise.
The Lean Palletizing Expertise
Each PAL Prepared and PAL Sequence are a part of The Lean Palletizing Expertise—a structured, five-step journey that transforms automation from advanced tasks right into a repeatable course of.
- Choose – Determine the precise alternative utilizing the Palletizing Match Software.
- Simulate – Validate your format on-line with a full 3D simulation.
- See – Go to a Robotiq Skilled Associate to see PAL in motion.
- Begin – Launch into manufacturing with professional assist and coaching.
- Scale – Develop to different strains or amenities for larger effectivity and ROI.
This digital-to-physical path turns uncertainty into readability and helps producers begin quick and scale with confidence.
ROI you may measure — and the price of ready
Return on Funding (ROI) isn’t nearly what you spend; it’s about how shortly you recuperate it.
PAL Prepared clients usually see ROI in 1-2 years, due to lowered setup time, constant uptime, and simplified upkeep.
However the price of inaction is usually larger: continued labor shortages, security dangers, and misplaced productiveness. Ready to automate means falling behind opponents who’re already reaping the rewards of automation.
The Hidden Advantages of Cobot Automation
Past the plain monetary advantages, cobots additionally provide intangible benefits that may have a big impression on what you are promoting. These embrace:
- Decreased Ergonomic Dangers: Cobot palletizers can tackle repetitive, bodily demanding duties, decreasing the chance of damage to your employees and enhancing office security.
- Worker Morale & Retention: By automating repetitive duties, you enable your staff to give attention to higher-value work, which might enhance job satisfaction and morale.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Cobot techniques are extremely versatile and might simply be reprogrammed for brand spanking new duties or scaled to satisfy elevated demand. This makes them supreme for companies that must adapt shortly to altering market situations.
- Enhanced Buyer Notion: Many companies discover that clients recognize seeing automation in motion, which alerts innovation and a forward-thinking method.
See your ROI before you purchase
So, will Lean Palletizing be cost-effective to your manufacturing facility? Earlier than committing, know precisely what automation can ship to your manufacturing line(s).
👉 Strive the Robotiq Palletizing Match Software to obtain:
- A {custom} 3D simulation of your palletizing cell.
- ROI and payback calculations primarily based in your manufacturing information.
- A downloadable report you may share together with your staff.
Begin quick. Scale with confidence.
