FANUC UK has joined forces with Reeco Automation to integrate its CRX collaborative robots into Reeco’s RB palletizing systems, offering manufacturers—particularly in food and beverage—an automated solution to persistent labor shortages. The collaboration will bring FANUC’s CRX-20iA and CRX-30iA cobots into Reeco’s RB series, combining ease of use, safety, and efficiency for end-of-line packaging tasks.
Reliability Meets Flexibility
FANUC’s CRX cobots are known for their low maintenance, extended warranties (up to five years), and intuitive programming, making them ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Reeco’s RB palletizers, already recognized for their compact footprint and rapid deployment, will now leverage FANUC’s industry-leading robotics to enhance performance and reliability.
Strategic Partnership for Growth
Rosie Davies, Managing Director of Reeco Automation, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership: “FANUC is a trusted name in automation, and integrating their cobots into our RB series aligns perfectly with our expansion plans, including future export opportunities.” The move is expected to accelerate adoption among food and beverage producers, where automation demand is surging.
Automation as a Workforce Solution
Oliver Selby, Head of Sales at FANUC UK, highlighted the timing of the collaboration: “With labor shortages persisting, cobots provide a viable alternative for manual loading, allowing workers to shift to higher-value roles.” Recent BARA data confirms that the UK food and beverage sector is leading in automation adoption, reinforcing the need for flexible, cost-effective solutions like the RB-FANUC palletizing systems.
Hands-On Demonstrations Available
A working prototype of the RB Palletiser with a FANUC CRX cobot is now available for free trials at Reeco’s facility in Newtown, Wales. This initiative aims to help manufacturers experience firsthand the efficiency and safety benefits of automated palletizing before committing to adoption.
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