Harpak-ULMA Launches Hygienic Robotic Loading Platform with Rockwell Controls

Harpak-ULMA has introduced a family of robotic loading platforms combining hygienic construction with robot motion programmed directly in a Rockwell Automation PLC.

Designed for cheese, fresh meat, and snacks, the system locates, inspects, picks, and loads food products for thermoforming, flow wrapping, and tray sealing applications. Loading rates scale up to hundreds of packages per minute, while a general-purpose configuration extends to medical devices, case packing, and cartoning.

Kevin Roach, Chairman and CEO of Harpak-ULMA, said:

"Customers want the flexibility to automate different products and packaging formats without turning every new application into a ground-up engineering project. We built a repeatable platform that can adapt to the application and give customers a practical way to add robotics and build on that investment as their needs change."

The hygienic configuration uses open, bent-plate stainless steel with sloped surfaces and IP69K-rated components for washdown cleaning. Integrated 2D or 3D vision guides product placement and conducts quality inspection.

In the standard Rockwell configuration, robot motion runs inside the Rockwell PLC using the same Logix environment as Harpak-ULMA packaging equipment.

Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, said:

"Our vision for robotics is to make it an integrated part of production that is easier to deploy, operate and maintain. Harpak-ULMA brings that vision to food packaging by combining hygienic design with a common control platform for robotics and packaging machinery."

Harpak-ULMA will showcase the new platform at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago and Rockwell's Automation Fair 2026 in Boston.