Robotic Solution at Groentekwekerij 't Bleekerven B.V.

Smart solutions for an efficient new setup

When the old installation had worn out, action was needed. On a Saturday morning, Peter Aarts contacted Rick van Roij from NEXT Handling Solutions. No long discussions, but short lines of communication and practical decision-making. The question was simple: how do we design the setup so that it works well and doesn’t interfere with anything?

Around the same time, a second warehouse was being built. The challenge was to use the available space as efficiently as possible. NEXT joined the thinking process and came up with a smart solution: overhead conveyors and the installation positioned in the back corner. This keeps everything clear of the main routes and ensures the process runs exactly as it should.

Palletizing Robot

The new setup includes a palletizing robot that can handle six product grades. One of these is specifically designed for the heavy crates of second-grade cucumbers. The robot head is suitable for all crate types Peter uses: from cardboard boxes and pool crates to IFCO crates and collapsible crates. Even with the tougher crate types, the system now works perfectly. Where layers previously needed to be straightened manually, everything now stacks correctly without extra actions.

The system can also buffer on the data belt. The robot selects the best placement location automatically, often choosing the position with the most available space. Disruptions are minimal. The system runs reliably day after day.

The result:

• Efficient use of space through smart placement and overhead conveyors
• High processing speed with six product grades handled simultaneously
• Less manual work thanks to automatic positioning and reliable stacking
• Continuity with minimal downtime and maximum uptime