Choose a cobot palletizing system by carton behavior, combined tool/load mass, every pallet corner and full-cell throughput. Include the gripper, infeed, controls and protective measures. Validate the proposed layout and assign integration, risk assessment and acceptance responsibilities.
When this equipment fits your project
Cobot palletizing is worth evaluating for repetitive carton handling where the package, pattern and infeed can be controlled. Consider box strength, porosity and changing product mixes before selecting the gripper. The arm is only one part of the cell. Include conveyors, pallet positions, pallet removal, sensors and stop/restart behavior when comparing proposals.
Shown as a configuration reference. Availability and the equipment offered for your project are confirmed separately.
Specify the complete configuration
| Decision | Include in your request | Evidence to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | Carton plus gripper mass and center of gravity | Exact robot payload curve and tool/load calculation |
| Reach | Pallet corners, layers, tool orientation and approach | Layout simulation and actual full-pattern trial |
| Throughput | Accepted cartons, infeed gaps, buffer and changeovers | Complete cycle run using production cartons |
| Integration | PLC, conveyor handshakes, sensors and interfaces | Responsibility matrix and tested stop/restart sequence |
| Protection | Access, gripper, crush points and pallet handling | Application risk assessment and documented protective measures |
As an engineering comparison, the UR20-1750 reference lists 20 kg payload and a conditional extended 25 kg rating. It is not evidence of an IndustryApex supply relationship. Workspace guidance explains tool and pose constraints; the safety FAQ assigns application risk assessment to the integrator or self-integrating end user.
Compare installed cost and support
Compare a complete cell price including gripper, mounting or lift column, conveyors, control integration, protective devices, installation and training. Include compressed-air or vacuum utilities and replacement gripping components. Request a defined product-changeover scope and supported pattern software. The least expensive arm may leave substantial integration and commissioning work outside the quotation.
Keep the delivery term, currency, quote validity and included scope consistent. Use the complete project budget tool to organize assumptions, then replace estimates with dated quotations and destination-specific charges. Discuss supplier checks through our sourcing process.
Agree an acceptance test before ordering
Run actual cartons through every pallet corner and top layer in the agreed pattern. Measure accepted cartons across a full run including pallet changes, rejected picks and normal interruptions. Test handshakes and the agreed stop/restart sequence. The integrator should document the completed application assessment, operating limits, protective measures and handover responsibilities before production use.
What to include in your RFQ
- Carton dimensions, mass range, rigidity, porosity and product stability
- Gripper type, mass, vacuum/air needs and combined payload/center of gravity
- Pallet dimensions, pattern, maximum stack height and layer changes
- Infeed height, orientation, accepted cartons per minute and surge/buffer needs
- Single or multiple pallet positions, changeover and pallet removal method
- Robot model, payload curve, reach, column/lift arrangement and layout simulation
- PLC/conveyor handshakes, sensors, inspection and stop/restart behavior
- Guarding/protective devices, operator access and documented risk-assessment owner
- Acceptance run with actual cartons, pallet corners and complete cycle timing
- Destination, integrator, commissioning, maintenance and purchase window
Need OEM / ODM customization?
Submit branding, packaging, configuration or engineering requirements for this equipment. Include the target market, initial and annual quantities, required changes and acceptance criteria.
Customization feasibility, permitted branding, development responsibilities, minimum quantity, cost and lead time are reviewed for the proposed supplier and configuration before a quotation is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 20 kg cobot lift a 20 kg carton plus its gripper?
Not automatically. The gripper and any attached equipment count toward the relevant tool/load conditions, together with the carton. Review the exact payload curve, center of gravity and motion limits for the proposed robot.
How should I check reach to every pallet corner and top layer?
Simulate and trial the exact pallet, stack height, gripper orientation and approach path. Check corners, top layers, conveyor pickup and obstructions. Nominal reach alone does not establish usable pallet coverage.
Can a collaborative robot palletizer run without guarding?
That decision belongs to the completed application risk assessment. A collaborative arm does not make the gripper, cartons, conveyors and pallet movements automatically suitable for unguarded operation. Document protective measures and responsibilities.
What determines realistic boxes per minute for a complete cell?
Full-cell throughput includes pickup quality, travel, placement, carton spacing, pallet changes and stops. Require a timed acceptance run with production cartons and count accepted output rather than quoting the arm’s motion speed.
Which cartons require a different gripper or additional product testing?
Porous, flexible, heavy, damaged or unstable cartons can behave differently under gripping. Supply the actual packaging range and test it. Confirm vacuum/air requirements, retention and any product-specific restrictions.
Who is responsible for integration, risk assessment and acceptance testing?
Name the responsible integrator or self-integrating end user in the scope. Define who supplies each component, performs the application assessment, commissions interfaces, trains operators and signs the agreed acceptance record.
Reference information
- Universal Robots: UR20-1750 Collaborative Robot
- Universal Robots Developer: Payload and Working Area
- Universal Robots: Safety FAQ
Reference data and images explain equipment configurations. IndustryApex engineers confirm the offered model, specification and commercial scope in your project quotation.