Mobile Vacuum Handling of Large Packaging Boxes

Large packaging boxes offer limited holding space, and their size and orientation can restrict manual lifting and direction changes. AUREK combines a mobile-base pneumatic industrial manipulator with custom vacuum tooling using side and top suction cups to connect pickup, lifting, direction changes and placement. After the base is positioned at the operating location, the manipulator carries the handling load while the operator guides the box within its working range.

• Side and top suction cups conform to the box contact areas, reducing manual carrying, lifting and changes of hand position during transfer.
• The manipulator carries the box handling load while the operator uses a handle to guide lifting and direction changes, assisting with large-box pick-and-place.
• The mobile base allows the equipment's operating position to be adjusted. Repositioning brings the relevant workstation within reach and accommodates changes in the packaging-area layout.

1. Move the unloaded equipment to the operating position, position the base and engage its brake or supports, and keep the manipulator's working area clear.
2. Align the vacuum tooling with the box gripping area and seat the contact surface. Establish the vacuum and check the grip before lifting slowly.
3. Keep the base at its operating position. Use the handle to guide horizontal movement and direction changes within the manipulator's working range as the box approaches the placement position.
4. Lower the box slowly onto the target position. Release the vacuum after the box is stable at the target position, then withdraw the tooling and return to the pickup position.

• Gripping area and contact structure can be selected for box dimensions, surface material and local strength, accounting for sealing and load distribution.
• The vacuum source and grip-status monitoring can be selected for packaging-surface flatness and permeability to match the pickup method.
• Adjustable vacuum tooling or quick-change contact components can be selected for box-size changeover. Base and support arrangements can be selected for the workstation layout.