Packaging robots for jars and cans

Automatically group sealed jars and cans and pack them in cartons or trays – also as mixed packs, multi-layered and with interleaving sheets.


M4FI designs robotic packaging systems based on your containers, packaging patterns, desired output, and existing production line. Conveyor technology, grouping, gripper system, safety cell, and control system are integrated into a coordinated end-of-line solution.

Please send us a short video of today's process, as well as packaging, carton and performance data.

Grouping · Gripping · Carton/Tray · Mix Packs · Interleaving Sheets · Line Integration


From labeler to finished carton

01

Add container

Sealed and labeled jars or cans are transferred via conveyor technology.

02

Packing pattern image

The grouping system arranges the packages according to the desired carton configuration.

03

Add group

A gripper, tailored to the weight, shape and surface, picks up the prepared formation.


04

Place in carton or tray

Single-layer, multi-layer, with interlayer or as a mix pack.

Optionally, carton feeding, carton sealing, inspection and handover to palletizing can be included in the concept.

Have the current process reviewed

For sealed food jars and cans

Wide range of applications

Suitability depends primarily on container shape, dimensions, weight, surface, packaging pattern and performance.


Typical applications include:



  • Pâtés, spreads and ready meals
  • Canned vegetables, fish and meat
  • Sauces, mustard, dressings and soups
  • Cucumbers, mushrooms, olives and antipasti
  • Jam, preserves and honey at industrial output
  • Pet food and other canned products


Have the packaging process technically reviewed

Packaging robot

Differentiating functions

Different packing patternsr

Packing patterns such as 2 × 3, 3 × 2 or 4 × 2 and other project-specific formations are tailored to the carton, packaging and performance.

Mixed packs and mixed cartons

Several product varieties can be combined in a controlled manner to form a single sales or shipping container. This is particularly relevant for promotional campaigns, assortment cartons, and display packaging.

Multiple layers and intermediate layers

For taller boxes, several layers of packaging can be formed and separated with cardboard or paper interleaves.

Integration into existing lines

Existing conveyor technology, labelers, carton erectors, carton sealers or palletizing systems are technically inspected and – where appropriate – integrated into the new concept.

Is your final packaging the next bottleneck?

A technical and economic review is particularly useful if:

  • several people permanently placing glasses or cans in cardboard boxes
  • The packaging limits the performance of the upstream line,
  • shifts are difficult to fill reliably
  • Mixed packs or changing pack patterns may be required.
  • the production capacity is to be expanded,
  • The aim is to reduce monotonous and physically demanding work.



Have the current process reviewed

Technical possibilities

Parameter execution
Packaging sealed jars, cans and other technically suitable containers
Packaging sample Cardboard box, tray and project-specific bulk packaging
Packing pattern project-related, single or multi-layered
Mix Packs according to variety, supply and control concept
Intermediate layers optional, project-related
Grabber according to shape, weight, surface and packing pattern
Performance calculated for the specific application
Integration new or existing production line
So entstehen Mix-kartons mit dem Roboter - Verpackungsanlage in Aktion

Individual interpretation

Each packaging system is specifically designed to meet the customer's requirements.

In doing so, we take into account, among other things:

  • Product type
  • Packaging size
  • Carton dimensions
  • desired performance
  • Number of formats
  • Space conditions
  • existing conveyor technology
  • future expansions

Typical areas of application

  • food industry
  • delicatessen manufacturer
  • canned goods manufacturer
  • Soup and sauce manufacturer
  • Manufacturers of bread spreads
  • Producers of honey and jam
  • vegetable processor
  • fish processors

From cleaning to automatic cardboard packaging – this is what a modern production line for meat products in glass jars looks like.


This video shows part of a complete production line:

✔️ Glass washing system ✔️ Air drying ✔️ Automatic product distribution ✔️ Multiple labeling stations ✔️ Robot-assisted carton packaging

Each process step is optimally coordinated with the next, ensuring an efficient, hygienic and reliable production process.


Frequently asked questions about end-of-line automation


Below you will find some answers.

  • Which products can be packaged with a packaging robot?

    Our robotic packaging systems are suitable for virtually all food products in jars and cans. These include soups, sauces, pesto, mustard, jams, preserves, honey, canned vegetables, pickles, red cabbage, sauerkraut, beets, mushrooms, antipasti, chutneys, spreads, pâtés, and ready meals in jars. Each system is individually designed for the specific product.

  • What types of packaging can the robot process?

    Our packaging robots can automatically pack glass containers, cans, and other food packaging into cartons. Depending on the project, grippers, conveyor technology, and control systems are optimally adapted to the specific packaging.

  • Can the packaging robot handle different glass sizes?

    Yes. Depending on the requirements, packaging robots can be designed for one format or for several glass sizes. Format changes can also be implemented quickly and easily, depending on the project.

  • What performance can a packaging robot achieve?

    The performance of a robotic packaging system depends on various factors, such as product size, packaging pattern, conveyor technology, and movement sequences. Each system is individually designed according to the desired production output.

  • What packing patterns are possible?

    Packaging robots can implement a wide variety of packing patterns, such as 2 × 6, 2 × 8, 3 × 4, or customer-specific arrangements. The desired packing pattern is defined during the project planning phase.

  • How does a robot for packaging jars work?

    The jars are first arranged in the desired configuration on a grouping conveyor. The robot then picks up the entire group of jars with a specially designed gripper and precisely places them into the carton. Optionally, the jars can then be transferred to a carton sealer or palletizing robot.

  • Which gripper systems are used?

    Depending on the product, vacuum grippers, mechanical grippers, or combined gripper systems are used. The selection is made individually and depends on the weight, shape, and surface of the packaging.

  • Can existing packaging lines be automated?

    Yes. Our robotic cells can be integrated into both new production lines and existing packaging lines. Existing conveyor technology, carton erectors, or carton sealers can often still be used.

  • For which industries are robotic packaging systems suitable?

    Our packaging robots are primarily used in the food industry, for example by manufacturers of delicatessen products, soups, sauces, jams, honey, canned goods, ready meals and spreads.

  • Can the packaging plant be expanded later?

    Yes. Many of our systems are modular in design. This allows for the later addition of extra packaging formats, further gripper systems, or additional automation steps.

  • What are the advantages of automated cardboard packaging?

    Automated carton packaging reduces manual labor, increases process reliability, improves packaging quality, and ensures consistently high performance. At the same time, glass packaging is handled with particular care.

  • What information is needed for project planning?

    To design a robotic packaging system, we need information on the product configuration, packaging sizes, carton dimensions, and desired production output, among other things.

machines 4 food industry

Related solutions

Are you planning to automate your packaging line?

We advise you on the selection of the right robot solution – from the initial concept idea to turnkey integration into your production line.


Please send us a 30- to 60-second video of your current packaging process, along with container, carton, and performance data. We will assess which automation options are technically feasible and identify any missing information needed to develop a concrete plan.

Contact: info@machines4foodindustry.com


Have the packaging process technically reviewed