Herma shows robotics-assisted labeling cell at Achema

Herma has confirmed it will showcase 211 HC RC, the first robotics-assisted labeling cell for wraparound labeling at Achema 2024 in Germany. The labeling cell is designed for pharmaceutical products such as small vials, pens, syringes and carpules.  

Until now, small batches of such products were labeled mostly by semi-automatic labeling machines. This required labor-intensive, manual feeding and removal of individual products, which were frequently prone to a degree of error. For example, the operator could mistakenly place an incorrectly labeled product in the tray containing correctly labeled products.  

With the 211 HC RC, operators can streamline their workflow. Using an intuitive drawer system, unlabeled products can be placed directly into trays within the closed labeling system eliminating the need to open the safety cover. This approach is said to not only enhances efficiencies but also prioritizes safety, ensuring smooth operations with minimal disruption. The robot removes the products from the tray and deposits them precisely in the labeling station, which is equipped with a Herma 500 label applicator. After the labeling operation, the robot places the labeled products under an image processing system or a sensor to check that the labels and the required variable data are present. Any confirmed products are placed into the tray or cartons provided; unconfirmed products are placed into a separate tray.  

The 211 HC RC labels around 20 products a minute and is therefore about 25 percent faster than a comparable semi-automatic labeling machine without robotic assistance, all this without any loss of concentration over longer periods, even in the case of continuous production, according to Herma. 

Gary Hopkins, the specialist responsible for robotics at Herma, said: ‘By automating the entire labeling process, we significantly reduce the risk of human error associated with manual labeling tasks. This in turn reduces the risk of product recalls.’  

The robotic labeling cell can be programmed so that it automatically complies with certain labeling regulations and standards. The versatility of this labeling cell arises from its wide range of possible configurations, enabling the application of various label types and the printing of variable data such as barcodes, serial numbers and expiry dates.  

In addition, the 211 HC RC can be optionally equipped with commonly used hot-foil, thermal-transfer and laser printers. With its scalability, it can be adapted to tomorrow's requirements.  

‘In view of the growing shortage of skilled personnel and increasing labor costs, the integration of robots in machines is becoming a cost-efficient solution to maintain and boost productivity,’ stressed Hopkins. ‘This is why Herma is increasingly looking to robotics to offer our customers highly automated solutions that not only meet today's demands, but are also flexible enough to allow for future requirements.’