Right down to the last sensor: Seamless Automation in the Packaging Line

In the packaging industry, efficiency is not an option—it is a requirement. Production lines must be fast, flexible, and above all, reliable. In this context, Murrelektronik presents a clear vision: holistic automation that connects all levels of the manufacturing system, to the very last field device. Join us as we walk through the different phases of a packaging production line and show how each step can be optimized with coordinated, purpose-built solutions.

One Packaging Line, Multiple Phases: One Unified Architecture
Throughout the production process, each stage has its own technical requirements. However, the real value emerges when all of them are integrated into a single automation architecture.

Filling and Dosing Process
At this initial stage, where precision is critical, IO-Link masters and hubs play a key role. Their function is to act as an efficient interface between the control cabinet and the field, enabling structured, accessible, and robust connection of signals and power. This simplifies both installation and maintenance while reducing errors and downtime.

Internal Transport – Conveyors
Moving products along the line requires reliability and precise control. This is where decentralized power distribution on the machine becomes essential, particularly in motor-driven roller applications. The Emparro67 Hybrid power supply enables this decentralized approach by delivering power directly where it is needed, reducing cabling, improving energy efficiency, and simplifying overall system design.

Pick and Place with Delta Robot
In high-speed operations such as pick and place, real-time processing capability is crucial. Edge computing solutions integrated into modular platforms like Vario-X allow logic to be executed directly in the field. In applications with delta (spider) robots, this results in faster response times, reduced latency, and optimal motion synchronization.

Quality Control
Inspection using machine vision requires stable and robust connectivity. Hybrid Xelity switches play a key role here by managing both industrial communication and high-speed data transmission for cameras. Their function is to ensure a reliable network capable of handling large volumes of data without compromising performance.

Case Erector
At this stage, operator interaction and machine status visibility are essential. Modlight60 Pro RGB signal towers with IO-Link technology enable bidirectional communication, providing clear system status information and enabling fast diagnostics. In addition, their integration simplifies cabling and enhances parameterization.

Robotic Case Packing Cell
Automating case packing requires precision, coordination, and safety. In these robotic cells, the integration of all systems ensures smooth operation, reduces cycle times, and improves process repeatability.

Robotic Palletizing
In the final stage, automated palletizing ensures correct product arrangement for distribution. The key here is system robustness and the ability to operate continuously without interruption.

Safety in Robotic Cells
Safety fencing and operator protection are critical aspects. In this context, decentralized safety solutions such as the MVK CIP Safety Ethernet/IP module enable safety functions to be integrated directly in the field. Hybrid modules with built-in safety logic combine standard and safety signals in a single device, reducing cabling and simplifying architecture without compromising protection.

A Complete Solution: From First to Last Point
What truly sets Murrelektronik apart is its ability to deliver a complete solution covering the entire manufacturing system. This is not about isolated components, but an ecosystem designed to work seamlessly together.

This approach provides clear advantages:

• Drastic reduction in cabling
• Faster and cleaner installations
• Increased machine availability
• Faster and more precise diagnostics
• Scalability for future expansions

Automation in packaging is evolving toward smarter, more decentralized, and connected models. From filling to palletizing—through transport, quality control, and safety—the key lies in eliminating complexity and building more efficient, modular systems ready for the future. The information in the attached link and accompanying video demonstrates how each phase of the process can be optimized with dedicated solutions, but what truly matters is how all of them integrate into a continuous architecture.