Columbia/Okura launches cobot rental program for palletizing

A Columbia/Okura miniPAL cobot system stacking boxes from a conveyor belt onto a pallet.
CminiPAL cobot applications include cases, spot packs, trays, bundles, and plastic bags. | Source: Columbia/Okura

Columbia/Okura, an integrator of end-of-line automation, today launched its new miniPAL Cobot Rental Program. The Vancouver-based company said this program offers businesses a scalable way to automate repetitive palletizing tasks.

The miniPAL cobot rental program provides companies with access to advanced palletizing technology without the need for significant upfront capital investment, said Columbia/Okura. It added that the miniPAL collaborative robot is designed to be compact, versatile, and easy to integrate, so customers can quickly deploy it to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our new miniPAL Cobot Rental Program,” stated Michael Stuyvesant, sales and marketing director at Columbia/Okura. “This innovative solution addresses the growing need for flexible and affordable automation. By offering a rental option, we’re empowering businesses of all sizes to adopt collaborative robotics and boost their productivity without significant upfront costs.”


 

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More about miniPAL

By automating palletizing tasks, Columbia/Okura said businesses can improve productivity, reduce errors, and free up their workforces to focus on more strategic activities. It asserted that the miniPAL cobot rental program offers companies a hassle-free way to optimize their operations and achieve long-term success. The program is currently available only in the U.S.

Columbia/Okura highlighted three key benefits to its cobot rental program. First, this approach is more cost-effective than paying for a robot upfront because it requires minimal upfront capital investment.

Next, the program offers increased versatility, as it’s compatible with various product types and packing applications. Finally, the company said this program provides compact systems that are easy to integrate into existing systems, even in limited spaces.

To enroll in the program, companies will pay an initiation fee, which includes outbound shipping and deployment. Columbia/Okura requires a three-month commitment and offers monthly billing. The program includes basic operator training and the Pally palletizing software.

Columbia/Okura shared specifications of the miniPAL system:

  • miniPAL 20: 44 lb. (19.9 kg) load capacity, 10 x 11 ft. (3 x 3.3 m) footprint, 48 x 48 in. (121.9 x 121.9 cm) max pallet size, 80 (203.2 cm) load height, and up to eight picks per minute
  • Vacuum style end effector: Suitable for various product types
  • Quick deployment: Pre-configured rental-ready units
  • Applications: Cases, spot packs, trays, bundles, and plastic bags
  • Pally software: Easy-to-use pattern-building software

About Columbia/Okura

Columbia/Okura is a partnership co-owned by two fourth-generation families. Fred Neth founded Columbia Machine Inc. in 1934 in Vancouver, Wash. Genjiro Okura founded Okura Yusoki Co. in 1927 in Kakogawa City, Japan. The companies launched the Columbia/Okura joint venture in 1996.

The Vancouver, Wash.-based company has nearly 30 years of experience in developing robotic palletizing systems and other custom-engineered systems. The company’s services cover everything from expert analysis and consultation to complete system integration and ongoing support.

Columbia/Okura offers industrial and collaborative robots, open-mouth bagging machines, integrated equipment, and more. Since its founding, it has provided more than 1,000 custom-engineered robotic palletizing systems to customers in North and South America.

Written by

Automated Warehouse Staff