The food and beverage industry has consistently contributed to increased robot installations worldwide. Still, as with any consumer industry, producers of soda, beer, water and other liquids must contend with changing purchaser preferences and frequently adjust their packaging process accordingly.

Smaller or larger bottles, different container groupings (e.g., cases of 24 cans for some stores, cases of 30 for others) and similar factors typically mean expensive new configurations for an end-of-line production system, with adjustments made to palletizing robots and stretchwrappers.

The Freeway System from Viano, Italy-based Electtric 80 S.p.A, which operates in the U.S. as Elettric 80,…