In context
In mid-2023, the manufacturing sector was grappling with persistent labor shortages and an increased focus on automation to handle dull, dangerous, and repetitive tasks. Collaborative robots were gaining traction as a flexible solution, particularly in industries with strict hygiene and safety guidelines such as food, dairy, and pharmaceuticals.
What was reported
Apex Motion Control, a specialist in smart robotic and automation equipment, released its latest product line: the Flexi-Bot and Flexi-Bot MAX collaborative robots. These cobots are specifically designed for the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries, aiming to provide a user-friendly solution to ongoing labor shortages and the challenges of industrial manufacturing tasks.
The Flexi-Bot series demonstrates proficiency in applications such as palletizing, tray handling, depanning, primary packaging, and secondary packaging. According to Jamie Bobyk, marketing manager at Apex Motion Control, the robots were developed after listening to the needs of producers in these sectors, ensuring they are well-suited to industries with stricter guidelines.
The cobots are engineered to work safely and effectively alongside human workers, enhancing productivity and safety in the workplace. They align with the company's commitment to designing innovative tools that increase business capacity and lower manufacturing costs. The Flexi-Bot and Flexi-Bot MAX were scheduled to be featured at the IDDBA 2023 industry show in Anaheim, California, June 4-6.
Why it mattered
The introduction of the Flexi-Bot series underscored a growing trend toward specialized cobots tailored for regulated industries. By addressing labor shortages and automating repetitive tasks in food, dairy, and pharma, these robots highlighted the potential for collaborative automation to improve efficiency and safety in sectors where precision and hygiene are critical, signaling a broader shift toward more accessible and industry-specific robotic solutions.
“We’ve listened to the needs of the food, dairy and pharma producers and have developed a Collaborative Robot that is well-suited to these industries with stricter guidelines.”
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-05-27 · “Apex Motion Control launches new collaborative robot”