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ROBOTS ADVANCE ON PACKAGING

Arlington, VA, August 7, 1998 -- Robots are advancing on the packaging machinery field, according to 290 machinery suppliers responding to a recent survey conducted by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI). Of the 290 machinery manufacturers, 93, or 32.1 percent, currently incorporate robotics technology in their packaging equipment and another 28 companies said they are planning to incorporate robotics in future equipment. The survey was conducted among packaging machinery manufacturers - PMMI members as well as non-members - who will be exhibiting at PACK EXPO 98. Among the survey respondents, 52 companies with robotic capabilities indicate they will be exhibiting that technology at PACK EXPO 98, the world's largest packaging technology tradeshow. The show will be held in Chicago's McCormick Place, November . The 52 exhibitors who plan to feature robotics displays represent a 13 percent increase over the PACK EXPO 96 number. "Data found on the official PACK EXPO 98 Web site located at www.packexpo.com, suggests an even more dramatic increase in the number of packaging machinery manufacturers showing off their robotics capabilities," commented Dennis P. McGrath, chairman of the PMMI show committee. "Using the search key word 'robot*,' 88 PACK EXPO 98 exhibitors could be identified. PACK EXPO 98 will be the best place for companies interested in integrating robotics technology into their packaging lines to see the latest innovations in robotics." While customer demand is the principal market force underlying the trend to robotics in packaging equipment the specific benefits most often identified in the study are: · Operational flexibility -- Almost three-quarters (69.9 percent) cite flexibility related to product variety and orientation as the principal driver behind robotics in packaging. · Speed ranks second, with 22.6 percent · Ergonomic issues are cited as the third most important factor, accounting for 16.1 percent of responses. According to a Robotic Industries Association (RIA) study, Market Assessment of Current and Expected Robotic Usage, robot shipments have risen 172 percent in units and 136 percent in dollars since 1992. As estimated 82,000 robots are currently at work in United States manufacturing facilities. A total of 12,459 robots valued at $1.1 billion were shipped in 1997, an increase of 28 percent from 1996. At PACK EXPO 98, visitors will see robotic capabilities displayed on a range of equipment. At the show, particular robotic emphasis will be place on palletizing units and other end of the line systems (see table). PACK EXPO 98 -- ROBOTIC PACKAGING EQUIPMENT Equipment type % of survey respondents with robotic capability* Palletizing machines 46.2% Case/tray machines 38.5% Packaging support/ specialty equipment 28.8% Filling machines 23.1% Cartoning units 13.5% Labeling, decorating 9.6% Wrapping machines 7.7% Form/fill/seal equipment 5.8% Converting equipment 5.8% Closing machines 3.8% Cleaning, sterilizing, cooling and drying units 1.9% *Totals more than 100% because of multiple answers While robotic technology is not new, its use in the packaging industry is a relatively recent phenomenon. According to PMMI's survey respondents, the mean average number of years that manufacturers have been incorporating robotic technology in their equipment is only 7.18 years. The complete list of PACK EXPO 98 exhibitors - updated periodically - is available from the show's newly enhanced Web site: www.packexpo.com. Utilizing the search feature found in the exhibitors section of the site, the list can be obtained by using the term, "robot*". About The PMMI: The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) is a trade association whose more than 400 members manufacture packaging and packaging-related converting machinery in the United States and Canada. PMMI sponsors and produces PACK EXPO - the trade shows of the packaging industry. PACK EXPO 98 is November , 1998, in Chicago, IL, and PACK EXPO WEST 99 is October 0, 1999, in Las Vegas, NV. PMMI member companies engage in joint activities designed to improve the packaging industry as a whole. PMMI provides information, education and services to its members, users of packaging or converting machinery, the government and the general public. About the RIA: Founded in 1974, RIA is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the field of robotics. Its membership includes more than 160 companies, including leading robot manufacturers, distributors, system integrators, accessory equipment suppliers, major users, research groups, and consulting firms. For more information on RIA and the robotics industry, contact RIA Headquarters at P.O. Box 3724, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, telephone 734/8, fax 734/8, e-mail . # # #