Qubiqa’s kinder, gentler layer picker

In a press conference held Monday, Qubiqa (Booth 4422) company representatives, Thorben Larsen, global product manager, and Victor Hoerst, external consultant, demonstrated the company’s latest layer picking technology.

Qubiqa’s handling solution, called the Layer Picker Flex-R, was developed about a year ago. It combines materials handling and robotics. Hoerst explained, “We have reduced the height and weight of the machinery to make it compatible with existing robotic arm technology.”

The layer picker uses a patented low-vacuum chamber principle to gently and safely lift one pallet layer at time. Each layer could include diverse products with varying surfaces like loose produce, six-packs of bottled beverages or smooth cartons. Larsen explained the unit is capable of effectively lifting 98% of the products in the retail sector.

ProMat 2011 will be held March 21 - 24, 2011 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry.

Read all of Modern’s ProMat 2011 coverage