Labor shortages have become a pressing issue in many industries, and food manufacturing is no exception. As the workforce faces challenges in meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving market, companies are increasingly turning to automation to bridge the gap. One technology that is making a significant impact is the cobot palletizer.
The Growing Labor Shortage Problem
According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 750,000 manufacturing jobs remain unfilled, despite a relatively low unemployment rate. This shortage continued throughout 2024, leaving food manufacturers struggling to meet production demands. One of the factors contributing to the labor shortage is the reluctance of workers to pursue monotonous and physically demanding jobs. A study by Business Insider revealed that 73% of Gen Z workers are rejecting such roles, further exacerbating staffing challenges.
The need for labor-efficient solutions in the food processing sector is more urgent than ever. Enter automation technologies like cobot palletizers, which can ease the burden on human workers by taking over repetitive tasks and reducing physical strain.
How Cobot Palletizers Solve Labor Shortages in Food Manufacturing
Reducing Labor Costs
Labor costs make up a significant portion of operational expenses in food manufacturing. The adoption of cobot palletizers provides a cost-effective solution to this problem. By automating the palletizing process, companies can reduce their reliance on human labor for physically demanding tasks such as lifting and stacking boxes, which are not only labor-intensive but also lead to high turnover rates. With cobot palletizers handling these tasks, food manufacturers can allocate their workforce to more complex, value-added activities.
Additionally, cobot palletizers have a lower upfront cost and operational expenses compared to traditional industrial robots. They are designed to be more affordable while still delivering the reliability and performance needed in a food manufacturing environment.
Improving Productivity and Efficiency
Cobot palletizers are designed to work alongside human operators, making them an ideal solution for companies looking to enhance their productivity without fully replacing their workforce. These robots excel at handling high-volume, repetitive tasks with consistency, which results in faster and more efficient palletizing processes.
By integrating cobot palletizers into their operations, food manufacturers can streamline their workflows and improve throughput. The increased speed and accuracy of these machines allow them to process more items in less time, which directly translates to higher productivity. Furthermore, these robots are capable of operating in a variety of environments, ensuring that they can be used across multiple production lines, increasing the versatility of the manufacturing process.
Smaller Footprint and Flexible Design
One of the key benefits of cobot palletizers is their compact design. Traditional industrial robots often require a large amount of floor space and extensive infrastructure to operate safely. In contrast, cobot palletizers have a minimal footprint, allowing them to be deployed in tight spaces without the need for major reconfiguration of the production floor. This makes them an ideal choice for small to mid-sized manufacturing companies with limited space.
Moreover, cobot palletizers are highly flexible. Unlike traditional robots, which often require custom programming and end-of-arm tooling for each task, cobots can easily be reconfigured to handle different products or adjust to changing production requirements. This adaptability ensures that food manufacturers can quickly adapt to shifts in demand without significant downtime or costly retooling.
Quick Deployment and ROI
Time is money in manufacturing, and the longer it takes to integrate new technology, the longer the return on investment (ROI) takes to materialize. Cobot palletizers are known for their quick deployment and easy integration into existing systems. These robots can often be set up in a matter of days, not weeks or months, minimizing disruption to production.
The ability to deploy cobot palletizers rapidly contributes to a faster ROI, with many businesses seeing returns within the first year of operation. By improving productivity, reducing labor costs, and increasing efficiency, food manufacturers can quickly recoup their investment and begin to reap the benefits of automation.
Customizable and Scalable Solutions
Every manufacturing facility is unique, with its own specific needs and challenges. Cobot palletizers are highly customizable, with the ability to adjust their configuration, end-of-arm tooling, and programming to suit the specific products being handled. This means that they can be tailored to fit the exact requirements of your production line, whether you’re palletizing cases of beverages, packaged food, or frozen products.
Furthermore, as your business grows, cobot palletizers can scale with you. Whether you’re adding new product lines or expanding your facility, these robots can be easily reprogrammed and reconfigured to meet the changing demands of your operation.
ONExia’s Custom Machine Design and Integration

At ONExia, we specialize in creating fully customized automation solutions, including cobot palletizers and custom machines. Our team of engineers works closely with clients to understand their specific needs and design automation systems that are tailored to their production processes. Whether you’re looking for a single cobot palletizer, an entire robotic palletizing system, or a fully-custom robotic solution, ONExia offers a full suite of services to help you achieve your automation goals.
Tailored Automation Solutions
Our expertise in custom machine building and integration ensures that we can deliver solutions that are perfectly aligned with your operational needs. From motion control to robotics integration, we provide comprehensive automation solutions that help businesses streamline their production processes and improve efficiency.
We take a collaborative approach to machine design, working with clients at every step of the process to ensure that the final system meets their specific requirements. This includes everything from designing the initial concept to deploying the system and providing ongoing support.
Expertise in Food Manufacturing Automation
With over 35 years of experience in the field, ONExia has become a trusted partner for food and beverage manufacturers seeking automation solutions. We understand the unique challenges faced by the food processing sector, and our solutions are designed to address these challenges while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Our custom robotics and palletizing solutions have helped numerous food manufacturers reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, and boost profitability. By integrating cutting-edge technology like cobot palletizers into your operations, you can stay ahead of the competition and adapt to the evolving demands of the food processing industry.
Why Choose ONExia?
With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the food manufacturing sector, ONExia is the ideal partner for your automation needs. Our turnkey service includes everything from design and engineering to installation and ongoing support, ensuring that you have the resources you need to succeed.
By choosing ONExia for your cobot palletizer and automation solutions, you’re investing in the future of your business. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, customizable solutions that solve the most pressing challenges facing food manufacturers today.
Serious Issues – Innovative Solutions
The labor shortage in food manufacturing is a serious issue that requires innovative solutions. Cobot palletizers offer a versatile, cost-effective way to address this challenge by automating repetitive tasks, reducing labor costs, and improving productivity. With ONExia’s custom machine design and integration services, you can deploy tailored automation solutions that meet the unique needs of your business. Whether you’re looking to improve your palletizing process or integrate a full automation system, ONExia’s expertise and experience will help guide you toward success in the rapidly evolving food manufacturing industry.