- In May 2024, Doosan Robotics Inc. unveiled its most advanced P-SERIES (PRIME-SERIES) collaborative robots at Automate 2024 in Chicago. Headlining the launch was the P3020, the world’s most powerful palletizing cobot, boasting a 30 kg payload and an unmatched reach of 2,030 mm. Designed for high-efficiency industrial tasks, the P-SERIES features reduced power consumption, enhanced safety (PL e, Cat 4), and a wrist-singularity-free design. Its simplified 5-axis movement and increased speed make it ideal for palletizing, manufacturing, logistics, and more—delivering a new standard in human-robot collaboration
- In January 2024, KUKA AG launched the second generation of its KR QUANTEC PA palletizer, setting a new benchmark in high-speed palletizing. This upgraded model features an optimized weight distribution and center of gravity, along with enhanced drive units powered by the latest gear and motor technologies. These improvements enable a perfect balance between axis speed and acceleration, resulting in up to 10% faster cycle times compared to its predecessor. With a payload capacity of up to 240 kg and a compact footprint, it’s ideal for demanding applications, including those in the food industry, thanks to its Hygienic Oil (HO) variant
- In January 2024, FANUC CORPORATION introduced the M-950iA/500, a powerful serial-link palletizing robot designed to handle payloads up to 500 kg. Unlike traditional parallel-link robots, the M-950iA/500 features a wider range of motion, including the ability to extend its arm upright and rotate backward with minimal interference—ideal for tight workspaces and complex palletizing layouts. It boasts a 2,830 mm reach, high rigidity, and a robust wrist capable of managing large and heavy components such as EV batteries and automotive castings. The robot is also optimized for friction stir welding and machining, thanks to its precision and stiffness enhancement options
- In October 2023, Schneider Packaging Equipment Company, Inc., a Pacteon Group company, entered the robotic high-speed palletizing market through a strategic licensing agreement with ITW Hartness Division. This partnership enables Schneider to offer Hartness’s High-Speed Layer Palletizing Tool for future projects and to support existing Hartness systems already in operation. The agreement followed Hartness’s decision to reposition its product portfolio, and Schneider’s team underwent specialized training to ensure seamless integration. This move expands Schneider’s capabilities in end-of-line automation, reinforcing its position as a leader in robotic palletizing solutions
- In August 2023, Dexterity Inc. released Version 3.0 of its Palletizing and Depalletizing (PDP) software, bringing a suite of enhancements to warehouse automation. The update introduced features such as print-and-apply integration, pallet stacking, rolling cart loading, fly-by barcode scanning, and direct sortation to pallets—all aimed at boosting throughput, reducing installation time and cost, and increasing operational flexibility. These upgrades enable third-party logistics providers, retailers, and manufacturers to automate complex pallet operations more efficiently, supporting higher case-per-hour rates and seamless integration into existing workflows
