As e-commerce volumes grow and product mixes become more complex, manufacturers and distribution centers are looking for conveyor systems that can handle individual products without slowing production or increasing damage.
At Automate 2026, Coesia’s AMC Automation introduced its next-generation Zero-Pressure Accumulation (ZPA) Conveyor System. It’s designed to move products without contact between packages while reducing energy consumption and simplifying installation.
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The modular conveyor uses intelligent zone-based controls that allow products to accumulate without collisions or backpressure.
“What we see more and more, especially with e-commerce and packaging, is single-piece flow, where parts are different from one to another,” said Xavier Le Gros, general manager at AMC Automation, during an interview with Packaging OEM. “Zero pressure permits the system to actually handle all on a single-piece flow and less damage.”
AMC says the conveyor is designed for distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and other operations handling a variety of product sizes. Its plug-and-play design allows the system to integrate with warehouse control systems while adapting to changing layouts.
Handling mixed product sizes
Le Gros said the ZPA system is designed so each conveyor zone communicates with the next, allowing users to expand or modify the conveyor with minimal effort.
“You can actually open the conveyor, add a zone in between, plug them back, and they will talk to each other,” he said. “They are really plug-and-play.”
The ZPA also features embedded sensors, enclosed wiring, and internal drive components designed to protect equipment while simplifying maintenance.
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Instead of exposing belts, sensors, and cables, the system houses them inside the conveyor frame while still allowing technicians to quickly access internal components when service is needed.
“It’s a brand-new design,” said Le Gros. “Everything is smooth. It’s user-friendly, maintenance-friendly, and environmentally friendly.”
Designed for zero-pressure conveying
The ZPA uses 24V DC gear motors and run-on-demand technology, allowing only occupied conveyor zones to operate. Empty zones remain idle until products arrive, which reduces both energy use and noise.
Le Gros said the design can reduce energy consumption by more than 75% compared with traditional conveyor systems because only the sections moving products are powered.
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It also eliminates pneumatic components, which can further reduce energy use.
“Pneumatics are actually a waste of energy. You have to generate it, so the efficiency of generating air is lower than simply using electricity,” said Le Gros. “Usually, you have a lot of leaks in the piping. Even if we don’t see them, it’s not efficient and a waste of energy. Motors avoid that.”
Packaging applications
Beyond distribution centers, Le Gros said the company expects the ZPA’s technology to support packaging applications across Coesia’s portfolio while helping manufacturers lower operating costs and improve material handling efficiency.
