ABOT opens up to 1200 cases per hour

Box opening payback in six months
September 20th 2006

TM Robotics has launched a robotic system for automating the opening and cutting of cases, boxes and cartons for the European market. Called ABOT (Automated Box Opening Technology), the system was developed and patented in the US by Cornerstone Automation Systems Inc, a specialist in hardware and software solutions for logistics and warehouse operations. TM Robotics believes that operations shifting 2,500 boxes a day will receive payback on the system in six months.

The ABOT uses a vision system to measure a box moving down a built-in conveyor. It then tailors the way the box is cut to a pre-programmed pattern. Perfect for use in the handling, storage and logistics industries, ABOT is capable of dealing with up to twelve hundred cases per hour.

ABOT can accept material to be opened in any combination or order without the need to run the same size boxes, batches or groups together. The ABOT finds applications in re-packaging operations, returns processing, stocking, distribution and replenishing picking shelves in order fulfilment operations.

"We envisage the ABOT providing enormous benefits to handling, storage and logistics companies by reducing worker injuries and damage to products," explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. "The machine can even be used for automating the production of point of display material as well as simply opening stock items," he continued.

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