The Future is Here

Robotics and automation are transforming manufacturing. And as technology continues to evolve, integrating automation and robotics into manufacturing processes will continue to pick up speed, driving innovation and transforming the industry.

But don't just take our word for it. The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies recently conducted a 2023 Purchasing Plans and Priorities survey. In it, they reported that 60 percent of respondents stated their investments in packaging and processing machinery will increase in 2023, with 64 percent indicating an increase in scheduled projects. The growing acknowledgment of the importance of automated packaging is clear.

In fact, automation by original equipment manufacturers and consumer packaged goods companies are planning to continue incorporating automation into their production lines. Several essential factors drive the use of robotics in these areas:

• Efficiency and Productivity. Automation can significantly increase production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve productivity. Manufacturers want to meet growing demands while maintaining or decreasing operational costs.
• Consistency and Quality. Robotics ensure consistent product quality by minimizing human errors. This is particularly crucial for industries like food and beverage, where product quality and safety standards are vital.
• Speed and Scalability. Automation enables rapid production and scaling of operations to meet market demands, allowing manufacturers to respond quickly to customer preferences and market trends.
• Cost Savings. While there is an upfront investment in automation technology, it often leads to long-term cost savings due to reduced labor, lower error rates, and increased production output.
• Competitive Advantage. Manufacturers recognize that automation can allow companies to offer higher-quality products at competitive prices.

The survey also noted that labor shortages and the difficulty of finding skilled workers are ongoing, common concerns. Not surprisingly, some of these companies are responding to needing more staff with automation when possible, contributing to more packaging and processing machinery projects.

The Evolution Continues

Incorporating automation has never been easier with pre-engineered standard packaging equipment, which can be an excellent option for manufacturers. These machines are designed and built to meet everyday packaging needs without extensive customization, performing specific packaging tasks efficiently while improving productivity and consistency. 

Pre-engineered machines are becoming more mainstream because they offer cost-effective, flexible, and reliable solutions that meet the needs of the packaging industry. They can reduce risk and ensure compliance with industry standards while significantly cutting down on design times. They also often easily integrate into existing setups, making pre-engineered equipment increasingly popular. 

At VMRA, we are an industry leader in state-of-the-art robotic packaging systems. We help our clients navigate the wave of digital transformation with confidence and agility, safely bringing workers and machinery together. Our solutions will significantly enhance your end-of-line processes, affecting your overall equipment effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and your company's bottom line.

Contact us at 866.243.2402 or ask us a question, and we can get the robotics conversation started.