Are Robotic Pallet Wrappers Right for You?

Key Points in this article

• Robot stretch wrappers are mobile and self propelled with a high capacity battery
• Robot stretch wrappers are ideal for those with irregular or heavy loads that do  not fit traditional turntable pallet wrapping machines
• These machines are right for those with limited availability of forklifts or pallet jacks and will benefit from the robot wrapper's ability to move to various locations throughout the warehouse
• Superior model robot wrappers can complete the entire wrapping cycle at the touch of a button with AEolus, FROMM's revolutionary and patented air attachment system, the latest in wrapping technology
• Robot wrappers include inbuilt safety system sensors for movement detection

Are Robotic Pallet Wrappers Right for You?

 Robotic pallet wrappers are mobile stretch wrapping machines that travel to the load instead of requiring the pallet to be placed onto a turntable. They are designed for warehouses wrapping heavy, irregular oversized or unstable loads in multiple locations.

If you are looking for a robotic wrapping machine, this guide explains what they are, how they work, when to choose one and which FROMM model suits your operation. 

Explore our full range of robot stretch wrappers. 

What is a Robot Pallet Wrapper?

A robotic wrapping machine (or robot stretch wrapper) is a self propelled mobile machine that wraps pallets with stretch film while the pallet remains stationary on the floor. 

How does a robot pallet wrapper work?

1. The operator brings the machine to the area the load will be wrapped
2. The operator attaches the film to the load (in some models the machine will attach the film)
3. The machine is started
4. The robot drives around the load using sensors to detect the load size
5. The film carriage moves vertically to apply the programmed wrap pattern
6. A sensor detects the pallet height

Most robotic stretch wrapping machines include: 

• Automatic pallet height detection
• Pre-stretch film carriage to reduce film usage
• Adjustable wrap programs
• Emergency stop functions
• Movement detection safety sensors
• High capacity battery with approximately 150 cycles per charge

As the pallet does not rotate, robot wrappers are suitable for heavy or unstable loads.

What are the benefits of a Robot Pallet Wrapper?

1. No weight restrictions

The pallet remains firmly on the warehouse floor. There is no turntable platform, meaning no platform weight limit. 

This makes robotic wrapping machines ideal for:

• Heavy products
• Irregular loads such as furniture and white goods
• Dense FMCG loads

2. Space efficiency

A robot pallet wrapper:

• Does not require a fixed footprint
• Can be stored away when not in use
• Can move between warehouse zones
• Suits operations with limited floor space

3. Wrap any shape, anywhere

Robot stretch wrapping machines are designed to wrap:

• Irregular shaped loads
• Oversized pallets
• Overhanging loads
• Mixed SKU pallets
• Tall, lightweight loads that may topple if forced to spin on a turntable

They provide the flexibility when turntables cannot.

4. Improved load stability

Unstable loads may shift when spun on a turntable. 

A robot pallet wrapper keeps the load stationary while the machine moves around it. This reduces the risk of product collapse during wrapping. 

Robot Stretch Wrapper vs Turntable Wrapper: What is the difference?

When should you choose a robotic wrapper?

A robot pallet wrapper is typically right for you if:

• You wrap pallets in multiple warehouse locations
• Your loads vary in size or shape
• Your pallets are too heavy for turntables
• You want to reduce manual handling

FROMM Robotic Wrapping Machines

FROMM Packaging Australia offers two leading robot stretch wrapper models designed for Australian warehouse conditions. 

FROMM FR390 

Best for: Various irregular loads, semi-automatic mobile wrapping in low to medium volumes

The FR390 is a semi-automatic robot pallet wrapper designed to wrap any shape, anywhere.

Key Features:

• Mobile, self propelled unit
• High capacity battery (approx. 150 cycles per charge)
• Automatic pallet height detection
• Pre-stretch film carriage to reduce film usage
• Inbuilt safety sensors for movement detection
• Wrap irregular shaped loads anywhere

The FR390 is ideal for wrapping moderate daily volumes where mobility and flexibility are required. 

Learn more >> 

FROMM FR2000

Best for: Automatic mobile wrapping various irregular loads with minimal operator involvement

The FR2000 is an automatic robot wrapping machine that can complete the entire wrap cycle at the touch of a button.

Key Features:

• Æolus FROMM's patented automatic film attachment system
• Automatic end of cycle cut and attachment (no film tails or dags)
• Wrap heavy or irregular loads without leaving the forklift
• Pre-stretch film carriage to reduce film usage
• Advanced safety system with movement detection, visual and audible signals
• Automatic pallet height detection 

The FR2000 is suited to operations wrapping larger volumes that are seeking maximum automation in a mobile format.

Learn more >> 

When is a Robotic Pallet Wrapper NOT suitable?

Robotic pallet wrappers may not be ideal if you:

• Require fully automatic machine with a conveyor system
• Wrap very high volumes in a fixed location
• Long products

In these cases, consider: 

• Automatic pallet wrapping machines
• Orbital Wrapping Systems

Automatic systems can include robotic elements but are stationary. Orbital wrappers are suited to long bundled products. 

Speak with a Wrapping Specialist

If you are unsure whether a robotic pallet wrapper is right for your warehouse, contact FROMM Packaging Australia on 1800 940 356.

Our team will assess your load type, space, volume and logistics flow to recommend the most suitable wrapping solution.