Robust industrial robots pack heavy canisters, small robots label film rolls, and delta robots carry out fast pick-and-place of frozen food bags. In the halls of Koch Industrieanlagen in Dernbach, visitors were able to observe the full diversity of robot solutions at work. We from the packaging journal also took a look around.
Around 60 participants recently took the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in robotics and see live how modern automation solutions work in practice. Koch Industrieanlagen regularly opens its doors for this purpose at the company's headquarters in Dernbach, Rhineland-Palatinate. The family-owned company builds robot systems for all factory areas – from integrated individual systems to fully automated turnkey plants.
Live demonstrations as the centrepiece
The focus of the event was on live demonstrations of current test setups. Robotic systems were presented for, among other things, rolls, hobbocks, cartons, and sacks – all applications drawn directly from real customer projects. The company stated that the range of applications was more diverse this time than ever before. With solutions from the fields of converting, chemicals, ceramics, and foodstuffs, it became clear how varied the requirements are in practice – and how individually modern automation must respond to them. Whether it was packaging, palletising, or intelligent product handling: visitors were able to watch live as robotic systems moved a wide variety of products safely and efficiently.
„Our demonstration days thrive on our customers not only seeing a solution but also getting to know the people behind it,“ explains Sales Manager Thomas Theis. „Automation with us always arises through dialogue – from the initial idea through the technical development to the later implementation. It is precisely this personal exchange that makes the difference.“
Expert knowledge in the talk
A special highlight was the first-ever Robotics Insights Talk. Moderated by Thomas Theis, Robert Löbach from ABB and Kai Bisgwa from KUKA discussed what's currently driving robotics and which developments will be exciting for automation in the future. For example, what role will artificial intelligence play in automation going forward? Where can autonomous mobile robots offer useful support? And what potential do humanoid systems offer for industrial applications? The talk provided comprehensible and practical insights into these questions.
Thomas Theis: „With the Robotic Insight Talk, we wanted to extend our demonstration day with a new perspective. The live demonstrations show precisely what is currently feasible in practice. The talk additionally broadens our view to developments that will occupy companies in the coming years. Both belong together for us: working solutions of today and a keen eye on the robotics of tomorrow.“
Artificial intelligence is a central topic in automation. AI technologies already enable faster commissioning of robots and significantly simplify the retrofitting of existing systems. Physical AI, which goes beyond pure data processing and actively interacts with its environment, opens up new possibilities for industrial applications. These developments show that AI is moving from the digital to the physical space and could therefore play a key role in the automation of the future.
The automation of processes such as packing, palletising, and product handling is becoming ever more efficient through the use of modern robot systems, as was also made clear by the demonstration day at Koch. And through the combination of live demonstrations and expert talks, technology was not only presented but also made tangible.
