Cobot Crate Palletizing System for Reusable Crates
When you palletize crates or trays manually, throughput limits, ergonomic strain and inconsistency slow down operations. A cobot palletizer automates stacking without fencing large floor areas.
Stacks crates onto pallets using a collaborative robot
The Cobot Crate Palletizing system from Van Made is engineered for automated stacking of plastic crates, E-crates, bread trays and other reusable containers. The solution uses a collaborative robot with a custom end-of-arm tool designed for gripping rigid crates with side openings or reinforced lips.
With integrated pallet detection and optional automatic pallet dispensers, the system picks crates from the conveyor and stacks them in the required pattern. The capacity is typically 6–12 crates/min depending on weight and pattern. The cobot’s controlled force and slower safe-speed limits make it suitable for open production spaces where operators still handle wrapping or label checks nearby.
Its compact footprint allows installation directly behind existing production lines with minimal reconfiguration. Pattern templates can be switched from the control panel to accommodate different crate sizes or stacking formats (interlocked, straight, cross-pattern). Optional sensors verify crate orientation and handle deformed crates without causing line stops.
Benefits
- — Eliminates repetitive manual stacking of heavy crates
- — Small footprint fits into tight production areas
- — Fast pattern changeovers for multi-size crate handling
- — Safe cobot operation without large safety cages
- — Reduces fatigue and improves stacking consistency