Author: https://www.packagingnews.com.au/machinery/filling-and-packaging/pack-expo-chicago-show-draws-huge-crowds Publish Time: 2024-11-11 Origin: https://www.packagingnews.com.au/machinery/filling-and-packaging/pack-expo-chicago-show-draws-huge-crowds
Pack Expo's return to Chicago after a four-year break indeed brought excitement and growth. With over 44,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibits, it showcased the latest in packaging and processing advancements. According to PMMI, the organization behind the event, the industry's momentum was clear, highlighting years of steady growth and innovation.
Packaging journalist John Henry, covering for PKN, explored the show, including booths by APPMA members. The expo provided a platform for networking, product demonstrations, and discussions on emerging trends and technologies, reinforcing Chicago’s status as a hub for packaging professionals.
Jim Pittas, PMMI's president and CEO, highlighted Pack Expo’s success as a reflection of the industry's robust growth and PMMI’s dedication to uniting industry leaders to showcase the latest innovations. The event set itself apart by presenting a vast array of end-to-end solutions, giving attendees a comprehensive view of the tools and technologies needed to stay competitive in a dynamic market.
The substantial turnout of buyers underscored the industry's eagerness to explore new packaging materials, technological advancements, and sustainable solutions. The expo’s focus aligned with key industry priorities, as many attendees sought to improve operations, advance sustainability, and engage with cutting-edge innovations. The lively atmosphere and strong participation affirmed that companies of all sizes, especially in the consumer packaged goods and life sciences sectors, found the experience invaluable—some even described it as unmatched in terms of insight and opportunity.
The prominence of robotics at Pack Expo highlighted the rapid advancements in automation for the packaging and processing industry. Major players like Universal, Fanuc, Yaskawa, Staubli, ABB, and Epson showcased robots and cobots designed to be faster, smarter, simpler, and more versatile, reflecting the growing demand for efficiency and adaptability in various applications.
Fanuc's CRX-25iA collaborative robot was a standout, designed for palletizing without needing a vertical lift, thanks to its 25kg payload capacity and 1,900mm reach. Meanwhile, Kuka Robotics demonstrated a fully integrated multi-robot cell tailored for the FMCG industry. This end-to-end process automation setup featured robots, mobile platforms, advanced vision systems, and software to streamline operations from start to finish. Both demonstrations illustrated how robotics are enhancing precision, flexibility, and productivity in industrial applications, underscoring Pack Expo’s role in driving the future of automation.
Kuka Robotics’ multi-robot cell at Pack Expo represented a sophisticated, real-world automation environment, tailored for FMCG production lines. Designed to handle the entire production process, this cell showcased the company’s comprehensive approach to automation, spanning from receiving and sorting materials to packing and distribution.
At its core, the cell featured Kuka’s advanced KR 3 DELTA Hygienic robot, KR 6 SCARA, and KR 6 AGILUS robots. The cell also included the innovative KMR iiwa, a mobile, autonomous platform combining Kuka’s LBR iiwa lightweight robot with a flexible, omnidirectional base. This autonomous system detects obstacles instantly, navigates with precision (up to +/- 5 mm accuracy), and rotates 360 degrees, enabling seamless operation even in dynamic environments.
The KMR iiwa integrates with Kuka’s AIVI control system, leveraging AI to manage automated guided vehicles for optimal material flow to the production line. This setup represents Kuka's commitment to intelligent, flexible automation, allowing companies to adapt rapidly to production needs and safety requirements.
