Smart technology in the feed industry: Deikra-Futter automates the palletizing process
Alexandra Harin
Company
DEIKRA-FUTTER GmbH
Location
Thannhausen, Schwaben
Challenge
Manual palletizing of bags
Result
Physical relief, increased efficiency
At a glance
For more than 30 years, Deikra-Futter has been synonymous with high-quality feed production in Thannhausen, Swabia. Production, administration, and sales are all located at a single site and are managed by the Deisenhofer brothers and Matthias Vogt. With a team of 35 employees, the company supplies farmers with feed for cattle, pigs, poultry, and other farm animals. Its own fleet of vehicles enables flexible and customer-oriented delivery. Despite its strong roots in traditional values, Deikra-Futter relies on modern technologies. One of the key innovations was the automation of the palletizing process, which was previously carried out manually and placed a high physical strain on employees. In collaboration with coboworx, a compact robot solution was developed that optimizes workflows and reduces the workload on the workforce.
The Challenge
Before automation, palletizing was an enormous challenge. Every day, around 30 tons of feed bags had to be manually picked up and stacked using an inclined conveyor system. This strenuous process tied up three employees per shift and led to physical strain in the long term. In addition, space in the production area was limited, which made expansion difficult. Matthias Vogt deliberately focuses on innovation to make the company fit for the future. “Palletizing was monotonous and physically demanding work that placed great strain on our employees,” recalls Vogt. “Our goal was to modernize this process and improve working conditions.”
The Solution
While searching for a suitable automation solution, Deikra-Futter came across the online configurator from coboworx. This made it easy to quickly plan the ideal robotics solution. “We could see right away how automation could be integrated into our production,” reports Vogt. The robot cell that was developed was optimally adapted to the limited space available and seamlessly integrated into the existing processes. Thanks to flexible gripper technology, different bag formats can be handled efficiently, with changeovers taking just a few minutes. This adaptability makes everyday production easier and ensures consistent throughput rates – despite reduced personnel costs. The entire implementation process ran smoothly, characterized by technical expertise and cooperative partnership. “Communication was always on an equal footing – exactly the human approach we were looking for,” emphasizes Vogt.
“Communication was always on an equal footing. That was exactly the human approach we were looking for.”
The Result
The integration of the coboworx solution has proven successful across the board. The physical strain on employees has been significantly reduced, while production has gained in efficiency and flexibility. “From the very beginning, we were convinced that this automation was the right step for our company,” says Vogt. Particularly pleasing is the fact that the daily throughput of up to 30 tons has been maintained—with less manpower.
Functional description of the robot system
After sewing, the feed bags are transported by conveyor belt to the protected robot cell, sorted by type. Adjustable guide plates ensure precise positioning before the robot picks up the bags with a customized fork gripper. The guide plates can be adjusted manually depending on the product size. To ensure the highest safety standards, the robot cell is equipped with an airlock that prevents uncontrolled entry. The pallets are removed manually by a worker using a pallet truck or pallet jack. Robot operation is briefly interrupted before the system automatically continues after new pallets have been inserted.
Key features of the “Basic Flex” palletizing solution
- Fanuc industrial robot R-1000iA 100 F with a payload of up to 100 kg
- Stable gripping technology for reliable pickup of workpieces
- Safety fence with extremely durable, transparent Makrolon panels
- Integrated touchscreen (human-machine interface) with intuitive user interface
- User-friendly control without expert knowledge
- Two pallet storage spaces for continuous operation
- Two roller doors for flexible material feed
- Setup and commissioning within 1-2 days
- Safety concept and CE certification included
The Success - Facts at a glance
11 m2
space required
30 tons
per shift
50
product types
3.900,- €
Rental rate “Robo subscription”
Conclusion
The collaboration with coboworx has not only taken Deikra-Futter to a new level technically, but has also underscored the importance of implementing projects in partnership. “The coboworx team supported us at every stage and always focused on our requirements,” summarizes Matthias Vogt. By automating the palletizing process, Deikra-Futter proves that traditional values and innovative technologies can work together perfectly. This success story impressively demonstrates how small and medium-sized companies can use modern solutions to strengthen their competitiveness while increasing employee satisfaction.
“The coboworx team accompanied us every step of the way and always put our needs first. Communication was always on an equal footing. That was exactly the human approach we were looking for.”
Matthias Vogt, Managing Director, DEIKRA-FUTTER GmbH
“The coboworx team accompanied us every step of the way and always put our needs first. Communication was always on an equal footing. That was exactly the human approach we were looking for.”
Matthias Vogt, Managing Director, DEIKRA-FUTTER GmbH
“The coboworx team accompanied us every step of the way and always put our needs first. Communication was always on an equal footing. That was exactly the human approach we were looking for.”
Matthias Vogt, Managing Director, DEIKRA-FUTTER GmbH
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Use CasePalettizingRobot Cell
Alexandra Harin
Senior Content Marketing Manager
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