Robotic palletizers from Columbia/Okura can be tooled to depalletize tab-locked reshipper cases, 
returning them to production for further processing. Using a unique mechanical gripper, as opposed to vacuum technology, the robot de-stacks a pallet load of cases that are tab-locked open, placing them onto a conveyor. In this application, the robot performs in its optimum working zone, and at its highest possible speeds, because the layers of cases are accurately presented at a consistent pick height by an indexing hoist mechanism. A typical application for this technology is when cases of empty plastic or glass containers are supplied to an alternate location for filling 
with product.

2005-02-01