Aiming to make automation more accessible for packaging operations of all sizes, Premier Tech Systems and Automation demonstrated its Toma collaborative robot (cobot) palletizer at Automate in Detroit.
Toma’s cobot technology was first unveiled by the company in the fall of 2024, offering machine builders a plug-and-play design for increased consistency and output in end-of-line operations.
It features proprietary MOVN software that runs off a 19-inch touchscreen human-machine interface (HMI) that also includes an operation simulator.
“If you can use an app or an iPad, you can palletize with our system. It’s as easy as one, two, three,” said Antoine Pilon, Premier Tech’s market development manager, during an interview with Packaging OEM.
The setup is made possible through a long-standing collaboration between the company and Fanuc. Together, they have integrated more than 1,700 robots since 2003, including the Toma cobot, which has already been deployed for packaging.
Core components and capabilities
At the center of the solution is a Fanuc CRX-30iA, a collaborative robot featuring a payload of up to 66 pounds (30 kilograms). It supports pallets up to 80 inches (2 meters) and provides speeds up to eight cycles per minute.
At Automate, the system demonstrated palletizing and depalletizing boxes using its integrated vision technology.
“The plug-and-play vision system grabs an image of each box to check if the flaps are properly closed. When it detects an open flap, it rejects the box,” said Pilon.
It works with a variety of grippers that can accommodate up to two infeed conveyors at a time. Additional safety features include built-in sensors, LEDs, and user manuals.
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Premier Tech assembles and tests the cobot before shipping, so it can easily integrate into existing lines.
“The system is meant to be super simple,” said Pilon. “It’s an intuitive solution designed for easy integration at the end of a line. Just connect it to your conveyor and, within half a day, you’re palletizing.”
It’s also connected to Necton, software as a service (SaaS) designed to help OEMs monitor and manage their installed equipment.
Deployment in food packaging
Premier Tech spotlighted a case study featuring the Toma cobot in use at Boulangerie Dumas, a pastry manufacturer that implemented the technology to streamline packaging operations for its croissant-style crust pizza dough.
Boulangerie Dumas reported that its employees manage the system independently and use it to solve repetitive tasks, providing more flexibility in terms of staffing.
The company added that it has increased its throughput, with room for improvement on the human side.
“Toma is waiting for us right now. As soon as we increase the pace, it will be 100% profitable,” said Marc Drapeau, Boulangerie Dumas’ director of engineering, in a video.
Evolution of automation and customer resources
Beyond the robotic system, the company also emphasizes the role of customer support by providing additional resources, including an online portal to request parts, manuals, or coaching.
“These are the things that enhance the journey for the customer through the long-term relationship,” said Anthony Siblall, Premier Tech’s vice president of strategic development, when asked about operational support.
He added that the company partners with machine builders and manufacturers to help with tasks like labor reduction, material handling, and increasing productivity.
“Whether it was 1999, 2009, 2019, or 2025, all those things resonate with the customer, and this is the value we try to provide,” said Siblall.
Learn more
To explore further, visit Toma’s website. If you missed Automate, click here to view our photo gallery.
