Automated Lid Placement: KAPELOU Expands Robotics Portfolio

Automated Lid Placement – Proprietary In-House Technology

The robotic lid placement system was developed by the R&D team at KAPELOU, a European developer, manufacturer, and system integrator of turnkey intralogistics solutions.

Engineered as a standalone module, the automated lid placement system is built to a single engineering standard across every component, from mechanical framework to control software. Combining robotics with custom vacuum end-effectors guarantees continuous high-load operations, repeatability up to 0.01 mm, and seamless integration into existing conveyor networks.

How Does the Robotic System Improve Packing Zone Performance?

Instead of scaling headcount and managing human error, our equipment delivers automated packaging of warehouse containers:

• throughput up to 800 trays/hour: the robotic application system operates in full synchronization with the conveyor line 24/7;
• high positioning accuracy without vision systems: mechanical centering minimizes deployment costs and simplifies maintenance;
• material savings (OPEX): reusable plastic trays with automatic strapping eliminate single-use packaging and endless stretch-film consumption;
• labor optimization: the robotic lid placer replaces 1-2 operators per station, allowing staff to be reassigned to tasks requiring active human oversight.

Visit our official product page for full equipment specifications.

Tobias Burgmer, International Sales Representative at KAPELOU Europe GmbH, explains: “An error at the final packing stage can cost a distributor a damaged shipment or loss of customer trust. Addressing this operational bottleneck directly, the robotic lid application system streamlines the covering process, converting a monotonous workflow into a high-precision, predictable operation. Even at maximum operational throughput during peak hours, our equipment secures all trays impeccably“.

Field-Proven Equipment Value: Case Study in Pharmaceutical Distribution

Operating in a German distribution center under high-load conditions and strict GDP standards, the robotic lid application system demonstrates high precision and operational reliability. The core of this project lies in end-to-end integration: pairing pharmacy robots with proprietary conveyor systems, trays destackers, and automated lid placers provided a seamless order fulfillment cycle with a capacity of 200 orders/hour.

The automated lid application system transformed the final packing stage into a continuous loop: document insertion, covering, sealing, and strapping.

Automated trays packaging brought the following measurable results to warehouse efficiency:

• stable equipment uptime and minimal service requirements during peak warehouse season spikes;
• GDP compliance: cargo integrity and tamper-proof protection during transit to pharmacy networks;
• reduced packaging unit costs: lowered packaging material consumption and reduced processing cost per tote.

Explore our full case study under “Our projects” to see the robot arm in action, streamlining the covering workflow with a vacuum end-effector: “Automated Distribution Center for Healthcare Supply Chains“.

Don’t let routine manual tasks slow down your warehouse logistics. Contact our experts today to modernize your packing zone around your specific facility needs.