Bent-plate stainless steel construction supports demanding sanitation requirements; a common Logix programming environment simplifies support across robotic loading and packaging equipment
TAUNTON, Mass., [MONTH DAY], 2026 — Harpak-ULMA today introduced a family of robotic loading platforms that combines purpose-built hygienic construction with robot motion programmed directly in a Rockwell Automation PLC. Designed for applications including cheese, fresh meat and snack kits, the platform brings robotic loading and packaging equipment into the same Logix programming environment, allowing plant teams to use familiar tools to support both.
The platform locates, inspects, picks and loads food products for thermoforming, flow wrapping and tray sealing applications. Depending on the product and system configuration, loading rates range from 100 to more than 200 packages per minute. A general-purpose configuration extends the offering to non-food product loading, including medical devices, as well as end-of-line case packing and cartoning.
Designed for sanitation
The hygienic configuration uses an open, bent-plate stainless steel structure without tubular framing. Sloped, self-draining surfaces limit water accumulation, while accessible components and utilities support cleaning and inspection. IP69K-rated components support demanding washdown requirements.
Product-specific end-of-arm tooling is developed from a growing library of proven concepts. Application-selected 2D or advanced 3D vision guides product location and orientation, with optional inspection capabilities for presence, color, mass, defects and feature verification.
One familiar controls environment
In the standard configuration, robot motion is programmed directly in the Rockwell PLC using the same Logix environment used for Harpak-ULMA packaging machines. This gives plant engineering and maintenance teams a common set of programming and troubleshooting tools across robotic loading and packaging equipment.
The integrated Allen-Bradley® controls architecture coordinates the robot, infeed and packaging machine, supporting shared recipes, diagnostics and production information. For plants already using Rockwell Automation controls, the approach brings robotic loading into an established support environment.
Configured to fit the packaging application
A common, parametrically designed architecture allows cell length, width and height to be configured during manufacture to match the product, available floor space and packaging equipment. This approach reduces application-specific engineering while accommodating different machine layouts and production requirements.
The platform integrates with Harpak-ULMA thermoforming, tray sealing, flow wrapping and downstream automation. U.S. engineering and manufacturing capabilities in Taunton, Massachusetts, support application development and system delivery.
“Customers want robotics flexibility without turning every new application into a ground-up engineering project,” said Horia Saulean, VP of Engineering & Manufacturing for Harpak-ULMA. “We created a repeatable platform that can adapt to the application and remain familiar and supportable for plant teams.”
Harpak-ULMA will showcase the new robotic platform at PACK EXPO International 2026, October 18–21, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, and at Rockwell’s Automation Fair 2026, November 16–19, 2026 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston. Visitors will be able to see the technology in operation and learn how the platform can be configured for hygienic and general-purpose applications and future expansion.
For application information or to discuss a robotic loading project, contact Joshua Allen at Joshuaallen@harpak-ulma.com or 508-884-2500.