The blend of artificial intelligence, AI and robotics into packaging activities in the packaging sector has advanced a notch higher to improve on efficiency, quality and give room for customization.

Artificial intelligent methods are used for improving the packaging design, for self-learning about the components’ maintenance, and for logistics management. Vision systems using AI are being used in production facilities for high speed quality inspection that human hands cannot match and coupled with hefty savings.

Robotics is advancing each day, especially the next generation social industrial robots where humans and robots work together performing simple operations such as pick-and-place to complicated tasks of palletizing. More advanced robots are being developed as well as easier to reprogram in order to meet changing demand quickly.

It is also worth noticing that the combination of AI with robotics is also facilitating the development of more complex packaging personalization. For instance, some systems can currently determine product characteristics in real-time and adapt packaging characteristics in order to provide appropriate protection for every item.

In the case of waste management and specifically, in the realm of sustainable packaging, AI is currently being applied in the creation of new types of material and in recycling. Some of the machine learning techniques are being applied in determining the best blends of recycled material when addressing certain packaging needs in the best way that will meet the required performance levels without compromising on environmental impacts.

Speaking of the further development of these technologies, many specialists expect that in the near future there will be a radical change in the competencies needed for a packaging professional, such as data analysis and robotics management. AI and robotics in packaging, in addition to enhancing operational excellence are expanding opportunities for innovation in packaging and branding.