Automation solutions to accelerate production for FMCG, F&B, and packaging plants
Amidst the increasingly competitive landscape of the FMCG, F&B, and packaging sectors in Vietnam, many enterprises are ramping up investments in automation to boost production capacity and optimize operations. Modern plants must not only accelerate production speeds but also address various challenges, such as:
- Reducing reliance on manual labor
- Optimizing operating costs
- Ensuring consistent packaging quality
- Minimizing downtime
- Enhancing overall line efficiency
Consequently, Pick & Place robots are emerging as a key automation solution being widely implemented across FMCG, F&B, and packaging facilities in Vietnam.
I. What is a pick & place robot?
A pick & place robotics is a type of industrial robot designed to perform the following operations automatically:
- Picking up products
- Moving products
- Placing products in the exact required location
This system can handle a wide variety of products with high speed and consistent precision. Currently, Pick & Place robots are widely applied in packaging lines, food and beverage production, product sorting, carton loading, palletizing, and logistics and warehousing. They are distinguished by their ability to operate continuously, high repeatability, and capacity to take over repetitive tasks that were previously performed manually.
II. How does a Pick & Place robot operate?
Although the “pick and place” principle sounds straightforward, it is actually a complex automation system comprising multiple components that work in synchronization within just a few seconds. A Pick & Place robotic system typically operates according to the following process:
- Cameras or sensors identify the product’s location
- The robot calculates the optimal movement trajectory
- The gripper approaches the product
- The robot picks up the product
- The robot moves the product to the required location
- The robot places the product with high precision
The entire process is controlled via a PLC, a controller, and motion control software.
III. Key components of a Pick & Place robot system
1. Robotic arm
The robotic arm is the primary component responsible for movement. Depending on the application, businesses can choose from:
- 4-axis robots
- 5-axis robots
- 6-axis robots
- High-speed Delta robots
- Collaborative robots (Cobots)
Each type is suited to specific payload capacities, speeds, installation space constraints, and precision requirements.
2. Gripper (end-effector)
The gripper acts as the robot’s “hand,” making direct contact with the product. Depending on the product type, the system may utilize vacuum grippers, mechanical grippers, magnetic grippers, or custom-designed grippers tailored to specific product requirements.
Examples:
- Flexible packaging: vacuum suction
- Cartons: vacuum gripper
- Cans/bottles: mechanical gripper
- Metal parts: magnetic gripper
3. Cameras and sensors
Vision cameras and sensors enable the robot to:
- Locate products
- Identify product orientation
- Detect defects
- Avoid collisions
- Optimize movement paths
These components are crucial for high-speed production lines or scenarios where products are placed randomly on a conveyor belt.
4. Controller and software
The controller serves as the “brain” of the robotic system. The control system performs the following functions:
- Processes data from cameras and sensors
- Controls robot movement
- Optimizes operation cycles
- Synchronizes with conveyor belts and other equipment
This enables the robot to operate at high speeds while maintaining precision and operational safety.
IV. Common Types of Pick & Place Robots
1. 6-Axis Robots
6-axis robots are capable of rotating, flipping, and reorienting products. They are suitable for palletizing, packaging, tray loading, and handling complex picking tasks.
2. Delta Robots
Delta robots are distinguished by their high speed, lightweight design, and continuous picking capabilities. They are widely used in confectionery and food processing lines, as well as for product sorting and high-speed packaging.
3. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Cobots are designed to work alongside humans with a high level of safety. They are suitable for flexible production lines, small-to-medium volume operations, and businesses requiring partial automation.
V. Applications of Pick & Place Robots in FMCG and F&B
1. Product Packaging
Robots can pick products from conveyors, place them into trays or cartons, and sort them. This application is widely used in production lines for snacks, instant noodles, beverages, dairy, confectionery, and household goods.
2. End-of-Line Palletizing
Robots facilitate automation by:
- Stacking cartons onto pallets
- Optimizing stacking patterns
- Reducing end-of-line labor requirements
- Improving pallet stability.
3. Product Inspection and Sorting
Integrated with AI Vision, robots can:
- Detect defective products
- Sort products
- Remove non-conforming (NG) items from the production line.
VI. Why are many businesses investing in pick-and-place robots?
Many industrial zones in Vietnam are currently struggling to recruit workers for repetitive production line tasks—such as picking products, tray loading, case packing, and palletizing. High-speed lines and continuous, high-intensity workloads drive up turnover and attrition rates, directly impacting production stability. Against this backdrop, pick-and-place robots are emerging as a solution that helps businesses:
- Reduce reliance on manual labor
- Maintain stable production
- Enable continuous 24/7 operation
- Alleviate recruitment pressure and workforce turnover
Additionally, these robots enhance precision, reduce packaging errors, and optimize line performance.
Toothpaste Pick-and-Place Robot Project | VULETECH
VII. VULETECH provides Pick & Place robotic solutions for FMCG, F&B, and packaging plants
Drawing on extensive experience in implementing factory automation solutions in Vietnam, VULETECH offers:
- Pick & Place robots
- Palletizing robots
- Vision systems
- System integration
- End-of-line automation
- Customized solutions tailored to specific production line requirements
VULETECH’s team of engineers provides comprehensive support, including on-site surveys, layout design, solution simulation, system integration, and training on operation and maintenance. Leave your details now, and we will get in touch!
Vu Le Technology Co., Ltd. – Specialist in robotics and factory automation solutions.
► Address: No. 7, Lot C2, Street 659, Phuoc Long Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
► Hotline: (028) 3620 8179 / 3620 8176 / 3620 8177 | Fax: (028) 3620 8178