Clinton Township, Michigan — KUKA Robotics Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of industrial robots, today announced it has been selected by AMF Automation Technologies (AMF) as its robotics supplier for its new meat food distribution system. AMF, of Richmond, Virginia, will use the KUKA KR 180 PA palletizing robot in its meat stacking and de-stacking system which will allow manufacturers to increase throughput and improve working conditions. The system will be showcased on AMF’s booth (#S-2234) at PackExpo 2006 in Chicago, Illinois starting October 29th.

"AMF’s innovative new system using our robot is one of the only automated food distribution solutions currently available on the market and will prove invaluable to food manufacturers," said Kevin Kozuszek, director of marketing for KUKA Robotics Corporation. "The system will allow customers to more effectively compete in the food manufacturing industry by automating the labor intensive stacking and de-stacking processes which will in turn improve working conditions and also speed up production."

"When developing this system we sourced multiple robotics suppliers and selected the KUKA robot for its reliability, durability and speed," said Mark Langenfeld, director of sales for AMF Automation Technologies. "The robot provides the flexibility needed and are very excited to be showcasing it at PackExpo."

The new system is designed to process meat products and the robot will stack the products which are presented to it in food baskets via conveyor. The robot is also able to de-stack the baskets when they return empty demonstrating the robot’s versatility to be used at both the beginning and end of the meat packing process. The KUKA KR 180 PA is a four-axis robot with a 3200 mm reach and capable of handling up to a 180 kg payload.

AMF Automation Technologies specializes in integrated secondary packaging solutions for flexible, semi rigid, MAP, tray carton, blister pack and other challenging and unique package types. Its equipment is designed and manufactured in their Richmond, Virginia. The company’s philosophy focuses on complete solutions and delivering an end solution that is driven by expertly designed, quality manufactured, and professionally implemented equipment. For more information contact AMF Automation Technologies at 804-340-4430 or visit their website at www.amfautomation.com.

KUKA Robotics Corporation, with its parent company KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial robots, with an annual production volume approaching 10,000 units, and an installed base of over 75,000 units. The company’s 5 and 6 axis robots range from 3kg to 570kg payloads, and 635mm to 3700mm reach, all controlled from a common PC based controller platform. KUKA robots are utilized in a diverse range of industries including the appliance, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, logistics, food, pharmaceutical, medical, foundry and plastics industries and in multiple applications including material handling, machine loading, assembly, packaging, palletizing, welding, bending, joining, and surface finishing. For more information contact KUKA Robotics at 866-873-5852 or visit their website at www.kukarobotics.com.