NUMove Robotics & Vision has surpassed 20 mixed palletizing system deployments across the United States, with demand driven by wholesale alcoholic beverage distributors racing to automate order preparation. The company says 22 units are now fully operational across nine states, with several sites installing multiple machines to maximize throughput.
Steady adoption since 2021
Since its first installation in 2021, the Semi-Automatic Mixed Load Palletizer has been adopted steadily by leading beverage distributors. The system pairs automation with human operators: it automatically handles pallets and load wrapping while one or two workers carry out mixed palletizing tasks in an ergonomic environment, supporting throughput of up to 1,000 products per hour.
Most installations have been delivered jointly with integration partner DMW&H as part of larger automation projects. The collaborative, human-in-the-loop model contrasts with fully lights-out approaches and reflects a wider conversation about how costly and inflexible traditional automation can be.
Built to scale
The palletizer was designed to evolve with customer needs. Key features include automated pallet handling combined with operator-assisted mixed palletizing, integrated ring wrapping for load stability, and a modular design that lets distributors add units as volumes grow. A compact footprint suits space-constrained facilities, and the system is engineered for easy maintenance access.
"The palletizer solutions have delivered strong value to our customers by increasing throughput compared to traditional manual palletizing stations while also improving ergonomics for workers," said Robert Lampone, vice president of project delivery at DMW&H. He added that the systems contribute to "greater overall productivity and operational efficiency."
Warehouse automation accelerates
The milestone lands amid a broader surge in warehouse and distribution automation, as operators look to ease labor pressures and speed fulfillment. The trend spans approaches from collaborative palletizers to fully autonomous fleets, including Maersk's deployment of autonomous mobile robots for 24/7 warehouse operations and research into AI systems that optimize warehouse robot traffic flow.
Lampone praised NUMove's responsiveness on technical service, noting that quick issue resolution helps maximize machine uptime. As beverage distributors continue to expand their automated footprints, the mixed palletizing approach offers a scalable path that blends robotic efficiency with human flexibility.
Reporting based on coverage from Robotics & Automation News.