Robots for food and pharmaceutical packaging

Fully automatic filling and packaging of radionuclides. (Copyright: C-RayTherapeutics Group)

Fully automatic secondary packaging of parenterals. (Copyright: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme)

TS2-80 HE - Both the SCARAs of the TS2 series and the TX2 six-axis robots prove themselves in the wet-area configuration (HE) with food-grade oil (H1) in all possible applications in food production. (Copyright: Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics)

TX2-160 HE - Both the SCARAs of the TS2 series and the TX2 six-axis robots prove themselves in the wash-down version (HE) configuration with food-grade oil (H1) in all possible applications in food manufacturing. (Copyright: Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics)

Sterimove minimizes contamination risks through manual interventions, increases productivity, and ensures safety and reliability in the most sensitive environments. (Copyright: Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics)

With the Accesspharma program, which focuses on environments of cleanroom class C, Stäubli completes the circle with fast, reliable automation solutions for non-aseptic areas. (Copyright: Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics)

At Interpack, Stäubli presents the TX2-60L in Stericlean+ version with Hollow Wrist. The model with hollow wrist offers unparalleled cleanability and improves decontamination processes compared to the standard model. (Copyright: Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics)

The inspection system of a Dutch bakery manufacturer with ceiling-mounted SCARA robot from Stäubli inspects 1,200 rusk slices per minute. (Copyright: Bolletje)

At Interpack, Stäubli emphasizes its expertise in Food and Pharma Packaging with groundbreaking innovations at booth C38 in Hall 15. The manufacturer has expanded its portfolio of hygienic four- and six-axis robots with a mobile pharmaceutical robot capable of operating even under sterile conditions – a true world first.

In sensitive industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, special regulations, specific standards, and strict hygiene requirements apply. These entry prerequisites naturally create a barrier to robot deployment. Therefore, standard robots are at best found in secondary packaging areas.

For all other tasks, such as packaging open foods or filling liquids into vials, robots that meet the strictest hygiene standards, including sterilization, are required. Additionally, process safety, dynamics, and precision are among the desired qualities.

With numerous model variants of four- and six-axis robots, Stäubli can precisely meet these industry-specific requirements. Now, the provider has further enhanced its unique robot portfolio with two additional innovations. "At Interpack, we will present, alongside two demo applications, the TX2-60L Stericlean+ in Hollow Wrist design as well as the Sterimove, the world's first mobile robot capable of working under sterile conditions. This is a milestone for the pharmaceutical industry," says Peter Pühringer, Managing Director of Stäubli Robotics.

Sterimove – a globally unique concept

Indeed, Sterimove is more than just an innovation. The mobile robot makes a significant contribution to safer, more productive, and more reliable pharmaceutical manufacturing. The device sets new standards for mobile robotics in Class A/B/C/D environments. Sterimove minimizes contamination risks from manual interventions, increases productivity, and ensures safety and reliability in the most sensitive environments. Thanks to its modularity, easy cleaning, and contamination-free design, it is the ultimate solution for pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking safety and operational excellence.

Special versions: From HE and H1 to Stericlean and Stericlean+

Both the SCARAs of the TS2 series and the TX2 six-axis robots perform reliably in the wash-down configuration (HE) with food-grade oil (H1) across all possible applications in food production. When it comes to meeting aseptic conditions, these four- and six-axis robots are also available in the Stericlean version. For direct use in isolators within high-sterility pharmaceutical environments of GMP Class A, Stäubli offers the suitable robot with the Stericlean+ variant.

For the first time at Interpack, Stäubli will present the TX2-60L in Stericlean+ version with Hollow Wrist. "With these robots, the engineers have pushed the hygienic design to the limit with a fully enclosed structure from the base to the flange at the tip. The model with hollow wrist offers unparalleled cleanability and improves decontamination processes compared to the standard model," emphasizes Pühringer. The cleaning processes are simplified, and the robot's design additionally prevents particles from adhering to the coating. The Stericlean+ option with Hollow Wrist for the TX2-60 and TX2-60L models is now available for order.

Practical demo applications

At Interpack, Stäubli will showcase the performance of its robots through two application examples in the Food and Pharma sectors. In an AI-optimized, robot-assisted food application, a TS2-80 SCARA in HE and H1 versions demonstrates high dynamics in handling unpackaged foods. A special feature: the SCARA is equipped with a newly designed bellows made from material properties compliant with FDA guidelines. This makes the robot suitable for direct contact with food.

A second cell demonstrates the advantages of the recently introduced Accesspharma series in the secondary packaging of pharmaceuticals. With the Accesspharma program, focused on cleanroom environment Class C, Stäubli completes the circle with fast, reliable automation solutions for non-aseptic areas. This allows users to avoid the significantly higher investment in more complex model variants.