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Packaging Machines
Handling Technology

Smart Robotics and Opitz agree on a partnership for packaging automation

21. October 2026, 08:46 Uhr
Switch language to German

The Dutch robotics specialist Smart Robotics and the special machine builder Opitz Packaging Systems from Northeim have agreed on a strategic partnership. The plan is to combine expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and packaging technology. Initially, the focus is on robot-assisted palletizing and end-of-line processes. In the long term, the collaboration is also to be extended to automated single-item picking.

Opitz brings more than 30 years of experience in special machine construction. Smart Robotics enhances the collaboration with technologies for robot-assisted picking and palletizing processes. (Image source: Smart Robotics)
Opitz brings more than 30 years of experience in special machine construction. Smart Robotics enhances the collaboration with technologies for robot-assisted picking and palletizing processes. (Image source: Smart Robotics)
21.10.2026
Christina Kasper

As part of the cooperation, Opitz takes the lead role in integrating robotics technology into comprehensive packaging concepts. The special-purpose machine manufacturer intends to incorporate Smart Robotics' AI-based robotic solutions into its machines and systems. The Dutch partner contributes its technologies for automated picking and palletizing processes.

Opitz has more than 30 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of customized automation and packaging machines. The company from Northeim is a subsidiary of Storopack, a packaging specialist from Metzingen. Its range of services includes, among other things, systems for erecting and sealing boxes as well as for automatic volume reduction. In addition, the manufacturer has expertise in the integration of conveyor, labeling, and weighing technology, as well as in the connection of software and interfaces.

Through the partnership, Opitz aims to expand its existing offerings in suitable customer projects with robot-supported applications. Smart Robotics, in turn, gains access to the process knowledge of the machine builder through the collaboration and aims to expand its activities in the packaging industry.

Artificial Intelligence for Picking and Palletizing

Smart Robotics develops robotic systems for automated picking and palletizing processes. The solutions utilize artificial intelligence to control robot-assisted handling tasks. According to the company, located in Best, Netherlands, it already has 130 systems in operation, executing over one billion pick operations in real-world scenarios.

The operational data obtained serve, according to Smart Robotics, as the basis for the further development of their technology. The company relies on so-called Embodied AI, which connects artificial intelligence with the physical interaction of robotic systems. According to the company, the solutions can be used for various logistical processes, from single item picking to palletizing.

By combining robotics technology with Opitz's packaging machines, integrated automation solutions are expected to be created in the future. According to the partners, the coordinated integration of both technologies can help reduce the number of required interfaces and the effort needed for integration.

Cross-Industry Applications PlannedThe companies have not limited their collaboration to individual industries. They cite potential application fields such as online retail, production and logistics operations, as well as the food, fashion, and pharmaceutical industries. Initially, the focus is on applications at the end of the packaging process chain. This includes, in particular, robot-assisted palletizing processes and other automation tasks in the end-of-line area. In a later step, the partners intend to explore how their technologies can also be combined for automated piece picking. The cooperation is aimed at both complementing existing packaging processes with robot-assisted functions and enabling the development of new plant concepts. Opitz is responsible for integrating these into respective packaging processes, while Smart Robotics provides the necessary robotics technology.First Joint Applications PlannedAs the next step, the companies aim to identify specific use cases and develop corresponding solution concepts. Demonstration applications are also planned to illustrate the interaction between packaging technology and robotics. Additionally, the partners plan to expand their sales collaboration. Together, they aim to identify suitable customer projects and assess where their respective technologies can be integrated into combined automation solutions. Translated automatically from German.
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