Pet Food End-of-Line Packaging: Clevertech Relies on KUKA Robots
Clevertech, an Italian company, is a recognized provider of end-of-line packaging solutions. Its robot-based systems are deployed primarily in the pet food sector, where growth and fast-changing production needs are driving higher levels of automation. This is why more than 80% of Clevertech systems rely on KUKA robots.
“The ‘humanization’ of pet food – for example through yogurt, smoothies or vegetable mixes – poses new requirements for packaging,” explains Luca Carollo, Business Developer at Clevertech. “Precise, gentle and fast processes are needed – robotics is indispensable here.”
“Every empty space in a layer means wasted energy”
In addition to product geometry, the customer also faced challenges in optimizing energy efficiency. To achieve this, it must be ensured that the cans are assembled into layers which are complete and stable. When the layers are complete and stable, heat transfer becomes more uniform and efficient, as more mass (the cans) absorbs the energy and less energy is lost. After sterilization, the challenge shifted: the now wet and thermally stressed cans must be unloaded without introducing moisture into the system.
Automation supports the dynamics of the pet food industry
“In the pet food market, we are seeing a shift toward more compact packaging formats – similar to what we once saw in the beverage sector,” explains Luca Carollo. The current solution processes up to 1,200 cans per minute – with room for even higher speeds. The core element is a patented gripping system that combines vacuum technology with mechanical thrust. The Hybrid Sweepoff Technology enables seamless movement of the layers and precise control during compression.
By preserving the intermediate layers – stabilizing layers between product stacks – material waste and replacement costs are reduced. “And every warped intermediate layer means replacement costs. This system helps the customer remain efficient and sustainable,” adds Luca Carollo. With over 98% operational efficiency and a scalable design, the solution is not only fast – it is built for long-term performance and replicability across multiple sites.
Ready for what’s next: from pouches to mobile palletizing cells
The versatility of the solution from Clevertech and KUKA is already evident in further applications: in Romania, a similar robot-supported setup is used for handling pet food pouches – the product characteristics there require particularly sensitive processes. “The principle remains the same: KUKA for loading, KUKA for unloading – one robot handles the product, the other handle consumables as interlayer and pallet,” explains Luca Carollo. “We are presenting this new solution international trade shows,” Carollo adds.
