Define the complete carton range and the required pattern changes before selecting a gripper. Ask the integrator to demonstrate representative packaging with the proposed tool, approved load configuration and agreed cell layout. Compare accepted placements, interventions and changeover time against your project requirements.
Shown as a configuration reference. Availability and the equipment offered for your project are confirmed separately.
Define what mixed-carton production means in your project
State whether each pallet contains one carton type, different sizes within a layer, or different products across successive layers. Describe the normal production sequence and how the cell will receive product identification. A proposal for switching between uniform product batches should not be accepted as evidence of handling an arbitrary mixed pallet.
Provide a carton register covering dimensions, filled mass, surface condition, closure method, orientation and the expected variation in packaging. Identify reused board, open flaps, damaged corners and difficult products separately. Send representative filled samples and the required pallet patterns so the integrator can propose a specific handling arrangement.
Compare gripper proposals using the same sample set
Ask each integrator to identify the proposed gripping method, contact areas, adjustment mechanism and the packaging conditions covered by its offer. Request sample evidence for the entire agreed product range. Have the integrator explain any limits involving contact surface, carton deformation, access, retention or release, and identify any variants requiring a different tool or a planned manual adjustment.
Compare a common gripper, an adjustable tool and a tool-change proposal against the same production sequence. Ask how each option affects the layout, utilities, changeover work and accepted output. Treat a recommendation as project-specific: the quotation should identify the demonstrated packaging, proposed tool and agreed operating conditions rather than promising that one gripping method handles every carton.
Request approval of the actual tool and carried load
Obtain the robot maker’s applicable tool and load requirements and have the integrator document the proposed arrangement. Include the fitted gripper, mounting parts, connected accessories, services and the carton being carried. For a tool changer, request a separate approved configuration for each fitted tool and its carried product; identify parked equipment and any shared hardware in the layout.
Universal Robots defines workspace as the volume or area within which the robot’s end-effector can operate or reach [S2]. Ask the integrator to verify your actual cell with the offered tool and loads. Include the agreed pickup points, pallet positions, layer heights, approach paths and surrounding equipment in the documented assessment. A catalogue reach figure alone does not complete that project check.
Use a common quotation worksheet
| Buyer input | Evidence to request | Decision condition |
|---|---|---|
| Carton register and representative filled samples | Sample identity, proposed contact arrangement and handling results | The offer covers the agreed packaging range and its difficult variants |
| Product sequence and pallet patterns | Demonstration of the required within-pallet or between-batch changes | The demonstrated pattern capability matches the stated production task |
| Tools, carried loads and cell layout | Configuration-specific approval and a reviewed layout | Each proposed tool/product combination is covered by the design evidence |
| Changeover frequency and available skills | Demonstrated changeover steps, duration and training scope | Responsibilities and any planned adjustments are acceptable for production |
| Infeed and product identification | Interface schedule and demonstration of the agreed data exchange | The complete cell receives and handles the intended product sequence |
| Required accepted output | Agreed trial record including interruptions and interventions | The demonstrated complete-cell result meets the project acceptance conditions |
Include pattern changes and operator responsibilities
Request a demonstration of creating, selecting and validating the patterns included in the offer. Ask who prepares the initial library, who may add products, and what assistance is needed for future changes. Include software access, licences, backups, support and training in the quotation. State whether dimension entry alone is sufficient for the agreed changes or whether further engineering work is required.
Document any tool adjustments, sample checks and production approval required after a changeover. Have qualified personnel define the validation and operating instructions for the installation. Changes to packaging, tools, patterns or surrounding equipment should follow the agreed review process; this purchasing guide does not establish motion settings or authorise a cell modification.
Agree a complete-cell acceptance and handover plan
Define the representative product run with the integrator before ordering. Request records of accepted placements, rejected picks, interruptions, planned adjustments and actual changeover work. Include the agreed pallet exchange, upstream and downstream interfaces and difficult packaging cases. Assess the complete cell against written acceptance conditions rather than comparing robot-arm speed in isolation.
Assign the application assessment, protective measures, installation, commissioning and acceptance responsibilities to competent parties in the contract. Include the approved configuration, relevant instructions, training, spare-part scope and support arrangements in handover. IndustryApex engineers can review your carton register, patterns and integration requirements to develop a project-specific proposal. See the cobot palletizing equipment guide and include OEM or ODM requirements for tooling, controls, branding or line integration.
Define your equipment requirements
Review the Cobot palletizing system buying guide for the complete equipment scope.
Discuss this equipment project ↗ · OEM requirements · ODM requirements. Configuration and feasibility are reviewed for your application.
Explore the Cobot palletizing system buying guide and RFQ checklist ↗
Frequently asked questions
What carton samples should I provide for gripper evaluation?
Provide representative filled cartons across the agreed dimensional, mass and surface range. Identify difficult conditions separately and supply the intended orientation, closure method, production sequence and pallet patterns.
Does mixed-carton capability always mean different sizes on one pallet?
Define the exact task in the RFQ. Ask whether the offer covers switching uniform batches, mixing sizes within a layer, or changing products across layers, and request evidence for the arrangement you need.
How should a tool-change proposal be documented?
Request an approved configuration for each fitted tool and carried product, together with the shared hardware and parking arrangement. Ask for demonstrated changeover work, utilities, layout and the responsibilities for validation.
Can operators add new products without an integrator?
Have the supplier demonstrate the exact software and changeover scope offered. Agree access rights, training, approval responsibilities and when further engineering support is required instead of assuming every product change is automatic.
What should the acceptance trial measure?
Agree a representative production run and record accepted placements, rejected picks, interruptions, adjustments and actual changeover time. Include the required pallet exchange and line interfaces in the complete-cell result.
Can IndustryApex review custom tooling or line integration?
Share carton samples, patterns, layout, interfaces and the required OEM or ODM scope with IndustryApex engineers. Tooling feasibility, validation, costs, lead time and integration responsibilities are confirmed in the project proposal.
Reference information
- Payload and working area
Reference data and images explain equipment configurations. IndustryApex engineers confirm the offered model, specification and commercial scope in your project quotation.