Why They Excel at Box Handling

Zero-Gravity Sensing: Most modern manipulators use “float mode,” allowing the operator to move the box as if it weighs nothing. This is vital for cardboard, as it prevents the jerky movements that might tear the flaps or damage the contents.

Articulated Reach: The “folding” nature of the arm allows it to reach around pillars, under low ceilings, or deep into the back of a pallet or truck trailer where a straight rail system couldn’t go.

Compact Footprint: These units can be floor-mounted on a small pedestal or even overhead on a trolley, making them ideal for small shipping cells or end-of-line packaging areas.

Common Tooling for Cardboard Boxes

Since cardboard can be porous or fragile, the “end effector” (the hand of the robot) is crucial:

Vacuum Grippers: The most common choice. Large suction cups or foam pads distribute the lifting force across the surface of the box to prevent deformation.

Mechanical Side-Grippers: Used for exceptionally heavy boxes or “telescoping” boxes where a vacuum might pull the lid off instead of lifting the whole unit.

Bottom-Support Forks: Best for heavy, fragile loads where the integrity of the cardboard tape might be in question.