
Depalletizing System with Vision
The Challenge
Midwest Engineered Systems was challenged to design and build a fully automated robotic depalletizing cell for boxed spray heads that reduces need for human operators while increasing throughput.
The Requirements
- Automation System must supply parts to two (2) lines
- Convey full or partial pallet loads to the depalletizing robot
- Dynamically pick full boxes from pallets
- Automatically cut top of box tape
- Empty box contents into production line feed hoppers
- Break down corrugated boxes for reuse
- Automatically stack pallets and send out full stacks for pickup


The Solution
- The following methods, components and technologies were implemented and integrated to provide a comprehensive solution:
- MWES developed a custom, compliant end-of-robotic-arm tool with integrated robotic vision system to recognize individual shipping boxes and their configuration
- The automation system can also dynamically detect partial pallets and various pallet patterns using integrated robotic vision
- Custom integrated chain driven live roller (CDLR) conveyor system
- Dynamic box pallet picking and orientation was achieved using robotic automation system combined with machine vision
- MWES developed a custom box tape cutting system that could be integrated into the automated production system
- Custom corrugated box breakdown and stacking machine was designed to facilitate reuse of packaging materials
- Integrated pallet handling with MWES Model PS1200 pallet stacking machine
Impact to the Customer
The MWES developed and installed automated production system offered a number of benefits to the customer that had a large impact on overall production efficiency including:
- The applied robotic integration achieves a depalletize rate of 1 box every 30 seconds
- The Robotic depalletizer feeds two bottling lines
- Complete “lights out” automation system operation requiring far less operations staff
- Used boxes are broken down and stacked for reuse, supporting customer’s Green manufacturing initiatives
For more information on this equipment or other web handling needs please contact MWES.