PACE Mechanical Handling has revealed plans to launch its latest operating system at PPMA Total Show 2025.
Visitors to the automated end-of-line packing solutions specialist’s stand at at the NEC, Birmingham will be able to see the new HMI machine control system, which is described as providing easy access user manuals, maintenance instructions, and online ordering of parts and services via a smartphone. All the documentation and functionality is accessed via QR codes.
“We believe this is a first for end-of-line robotic and automated packing and palletising machines,” explained Nick Cesare, MD at PACE. “I’ve certainly not heard of any other manufacturer incorporating such easy-to-use and informative documentation in their machines.
“At the moment, the functionality is present in our CBC sack placer and stitcher, but will be available across our full range of end-of-line equipment within the next six months. Users of PACE solutions will then be able to access user manuals, find maintenance instructions for all of the components and parts that can be serviced without specialist skills and order a service through their mobile phones. We think this will make a real difference to the user experience, saving them a lot of time.”
In addition to enhancing the functionality of PACE’s established machines, the team is developing the functionality for the company’s latest addition, the PacePal collaborative robot. Launched at the PPMA last year, the solution is designed to work near people, handling cartons and cardboard boxes, without needing to be placed within a cage or behind a guard. The PacePal CoBot has a 20kg load capacity, 1,300mm reach, and packs up to 15 cartons per minute.
