Automation
Typical Automation Solutions Include:
- Robotic palletizing and depalletizing
- Automated case packing and packaging systems
- Robotic material handling and transfer systems
- Robotic machine tending
- Automated inspection systems
- Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) deployment
- Complete end-of-line packaging automation
Industrial Automation Solutions
Industrial automation uses robotics, intelligent controls, and integrated material handling systems to automate manufacturing, packaging, and logistics processes. These systems increase production throughput, improve product consistency, and reduce manual labor requirements in modern manufacturing environments.
Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) designs and deploys turnkey robotic automation systems that integrate industrial robots, vision systems, PLC controls, and material handling equipment. Our automation solutions support manufacturers across industries including consumer goods, food and beverage, life sciences, logistics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
These systems can be deployed as standalone robotic workcells or fully integrated production lines, depending on production requirements.
What Is Industrial Automation?
Industrial automation is the use of robotics, programmable controls, sensors, and software systems to automate manufacturing or material handling processes.
Automation systems replace or assist manual operations such as:
- Palletizing finished products
- Transferring materials between machines
- Packaging products for shipment
- Inspecting product quality
- Transporting materials throughout facilities
Automation improves production speed, safety, consistency, and traceability while reducing reliance on manual labor.
Robotic Packaging Automation
Robotic packaging automation systems streamline packaging operations at the end of production lines. These systems handle repetitive packaging tasks while maintaining consistent product handling and throughput.
Typical robotic packaging automation solutions include:
- Robotic Palletizing Systems
- Robotic Depalletizing Systems
- Robotic Case Packing Systems
- Robotic Case Erecting Systems
- Automated Labeling Systems
- Case Sortation Systems
These automation systems integrate robots, conveyors, and packaging equipment to create efficient end-of-line packaging operations.
End-of-Line Automation Systems
End-of-line automation systems integrate multiple packaging and material handling processes into a coordinated automated system.
A typical end-of-line automation system may include:
- Case packing or product loading
- Case erecting and sealing
- Labeling and barcode verification
- Case sortation and routing
- Palletizing finished products
By integrating these processes into a unified system, manufacturers can significantly improve packaging throughput, quality control, and operational efficiency.
Example: End-of-Line Packaging Automation System
AMT designed and deployed a turnkey end-of-line automation system for a high-volume food processing facility that integrated case packing, barcode-driven sortation, and robotic palletizing across multiple production lines. The system coordinated product flow through conveyors, inspection points, and nine robotic palletizing cells to create a fully automated pack-out operation.
The solution improved throughput, increased packaging consistency, and reduced manual handling while providing a scalable platform for future production expansion.
Robotic Handling & Transfer
Robotic handling and transfer systems automate the movement of products and materials throughout manufacturing and packaging operations.
Common robotic handling applications include:
- Machine tending automation
- Transferring products between production equipment
- High-speed pick-and-place operations
- Robotic product sorting
- Handling products in harsh or controlled environments
Related solutions include:
- Robotic Transfer Systems
- Robotic Material Handling Systems
- Roll Handling / Converting Automation
- Machine Tending Automation
These systems help manufacturers reduce manual handling while improving process consistency and safety.
Example: Automated Sterilization Material Handling System
AMT implemented a fully automated material handling system for a sterilization facility that integrated robotic palletizing, depalletizing, and product transfer across multiple processing stages. The system automated the movement of products through sterilization workflows while maintaining precise handling and process control requirements.
The solution improved throughput and reduced manual handling in a highly controlled environment, demonstrating the flexibility of robotic automation in complex material flow applications.
Autonomous Systems
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) provide flexible material transportation within manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
AMR systems are commonly used for:
- Transporting pallets or totes between production lines
- Warehouse order fulfillment
- Production line replenishment
- Material movement between workstations
Unlike traditional conveyor systems, AMRs navigate dynamically using sensors and mapping technology, allowing them to operate safely alongside workers.
Related solution:
- AMR Deployment
Turnkey Robotic Automation Systems
AMT designs turnkey robotic automation systems that combine robotics, controls, and material handling equipment into fully integrated production solutions.
A turnkey automation system may include:
- Industrial robots or collaborative robots
- Custom end-of-arm tooling
- Machine vision systems
- Conveyors and material handling equipment
- Safety systems and guarding
- PLC controls and HMI interfaces
Each system is engineered to meet production requirements including throughput targets, facility constraints, and product variability.
Example: End-of-Line Packaging Automation System
AMT designed and deployed a turnkey end-of-line automation system for a high-volume food processing facility that integrated case packing, barcode-driven sortation, and robotic palletizing across multiple production lines. The system coordinated product flow through conveyors, inspection points, and nine robotic palletizing cells to create a fully automated pack-out operation.
The solution improved throughput, increased packaging consistency, and reduced manual handling while providing a scalable platform for future production expansion.
Industries That Use Industrial Automation
Automation solutions are used across many industries to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce labor constraints.
Industries commonly implementing robotic automation include:
- Consumer Goods Manufacturing
Automation improves packaging, product handling, and production throughput in high-volume manufacturing environments. - Packaged Food & Beverage Production
AMT has implemented end-of-line automation systems for food processing and packaging operations, integrating case packing, sortation, and robotic palletizing to improve throughput and reduce manual handling. - Life Sciences & Medical Device Manufacturing
Automated material handling systems support sterilization processes and controlled product handling in regulated environments. - Warehousing & Logistics
Automation systems including robotic induction and material transport improve throughput and order fulfillment operations. - Converting & Roll Handling
Specialized automation systems manage large-format materials and continuous production processes. - Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Automation supports precision manufacturing, inspection, and material handling in highly regulated environments. - Automotive Manufacturing
Robotics and automation are widely used for high-volume production, material handling, and assembly processes.
Typical Automation System Components
Industrial automation systems integrate multiple technologies that work together to automate production processes.
Industrial Robots
Industrial robots perform repetitive or high-speed tasks including palletizing, picking, packaging, inspection, and product transfer.
As a FANUC Level V Authorized System Integrator, AMT has extensive experience designing and deploying automation systems using FANUC robotics platforms. This partnership reflects deep technical expertise, advanced integration capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering reliable robotic automation solutions.
Machine Vision Systems
Machine vision systems enable robots to detect product location, orientation, and quality.
Vision systems are often used for:
- Product inspection
- Part orientation detection
- Barcode and label verification
- Pick-and-place guidance
PLC Controls and HMI Interfaces
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) manage automation system logic and coordinate equipment operations. Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) allow operators to monitor system performance and adjust settings.
AMT designs and integrates control systems across a wide range of PLC platforms. Most systems are built using Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, reflecting their widespread use in industrial automation environments. AMT also supports software-based control solutions such as CodeSys, as well as other PLC platforms based on customer requirements.
This approach allows AMT to integrate with existing equipment, maintain compatibility with plant standards, and deliver systems aligned with customer preferences and long-term support strategies.
Material Handling Equipment
Automation systems frequently include material handling equipment that transports products between process steps.
Examples include:
- Belt conveyors
- Roller conveyors
- Pallet conveyors
- Accumulation systems
- Lift and transfer mechanisms
Benefits of Industrial Automation
Manufacturers implement automation systems to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
Key benefits include:
- Increased production throughput
- Reduced labor requirements
- Improved product quality and consistency
- Improved worker safety
- Reduced ergonomic strain on employees
- Improved production traceability and data collection
Manufacturers implementing automation systems often achieve measurable improvements in production performance and operational efficiency. AMT has delivered automation solutions that increase throughput, reduce manual labor requirements, and improve product consistency in high-volume production environments. In regulated applications, automated material handling systems have improved process control and minimized operator interaction while maintaining strict handling requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What manufacturing processes can be automated with robotics?
Robotics can automate many manufacturing and logistics processes including palletizing, case packing, product transfer, inspection, machine tending, and facility material transport.
What industries benefit most from industrial automation?
Industries with repetitive production processes or high labor requirements benefit most from automation, including consumer goods manufacturing, food and beverage production, life sciences manufacturing, logistics operations, and automotive manufacturing.
How fast can robotic automation systems operate?
Automation system throughput depends on application requirements, product characteristics, and system configuration. Many robotic packaging systems operate in the range of 10–30 cycles per minute, while high-speed robotic pick systems can exceed 60–100 cycles per minute in optimized applications.
In a recent AMT deployment, a robotic packaging system achieved 12 cycles per minute, handling products weighing up to 60 lbs with consistent placement accuracy. High-speed pick-and-place systems utilizing multiple robots have achieved throughput rates exceeding 5,000 cases per hour with coordinated operation and optimized material flow.
System performance is influenced by factors including product variability, pallet configuration, end-of-arm tooling design, and integration with upstream and downstream equipment.
Explore AMT Automation Solutions
AMT provides engineering, integration, and deployment of automation systems for manufacturers seeking to improve production efficiency and scalability.
Explore our automation solutions:
Robotic Packaging Automation
- Robotic Palletizing Systems
- Robotic Depalletizing Systems
- Robotic Case Packing Systems
- Robotic Case Erecting Systems
- Automated Labeling Systems
- Case Sortation Systems
Robotic Handling & Transfer
- Robotic Transfer Systems
- Robotic Material Handling Systems
- Roll Handling / Converting
- Machine Tending Automation
Autonomous Systems
- AMR Deployment
System Integration
- Turn-Key Robotic Systems
Start Your Automation Project
Manufacturers exploring automation often begin with an evaluation of production processes and potential automation opportunities.
AMT engineers work with customers to identify applications where robotics and automation can improve throughput, reduce labor requirements, and increase production reliability.