Meiners Saaten, a third-generation, family-run seed company based in Dünsen, is dedicated to delivering “quality from the very beginning.” As the handling of palletized seed sacks increased, the company faced the challenge of making the depalletizing process both safer and more efficient. Until then, employees had to lift and position heavy sacks manually or with the help of a crane and suction device from chaotically stacked pallets, often under physically demanding conditions such as heat, dust, and working at height.
The goal was to relieve staff, ensure a consistent material flow, and increase process reliability through automation. To achieve this, the company sought a robotic solution capable of recognizing and handling sacks of varying shapes, sizes, and positions within limited space conditions.
In collaboration with Meiners Saaten and its automation partners, Data Spree developed the AI-based vision system that forms the core of the depalletizing solution. The system uses artificial intelligence and advanced 3D vision technology to detect the structure of each pallet and accurately identify individual sacks, regardless of their position, size, or orientation. This enables the robot to reliably recognize optimal gripping points and pick up sacks safely and efficiently, even from irregularly stacked pallets.
Data Spree’s software continuously analyzes image data in real time to guide the robotic motion and ensure precise and collision-free handling. The AI models were trained to distinguish between sack types and materials, adapting flexibly to changing packing patterns. Integrated quality and status monitoring within the vision interface provides full transparency throughout the process and allows the system to learn and improve over time.
The solution was implemented in close alignment with the existing plant infrastructure. The PLC interface ensures seamless communication between the AI vision system, the robot controller, and the conveyor line. An intuitive user interface offers operators real-time insights into system status, performance, and traceability.
With the introduction of AI-powered depalletizing, Meiners Saaten was able to sustainably improve both productivity and working conditions. The automated process increases efficiency, reduces the physical strain on employees, and ensures reliable, precise handling of the sacks. The solution demonstrates how innovative robotics can be successfully applied in traditional industries – creating the foundation for scalable and future-proof processes.
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