Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Lakeside Book Company has successfully implemented an advanced robotic depalletizing system in collaboration with FANUC, APT Manufacturing, and FlexPAC. This cutting-edge solution automates a traditionally labor-intensive process, drastically improving operational efficiency and easing the manual workload.
By introducing a high-tech, AI-powered robotic system, Lakeside Book Company has transformed the way it handles the de-palletizing of mixed-case shipments. The new system processes over nine boxes per minute and eliminates the need for manual handling of more than 45 million pounds of goods annually. The implementation not only addresses labor challenges but also enhances ergonomics and worker safety by reducing the strain associated with heavy lifting.
With a focus on improving its manual depalletizing process, Lakeside Book Company faced challenges in managing the variability of its mixed-case shipments. The complexity of these shipments—featuring different box sizes, weights, and colors—required a solution that could match the speed and precision of experienced workers, while still handling the heavy and unpredictable loads with ease. The company needed a robust automation solution that would support its high throughput demands and offer flexibility in dealing with various shipment configurations.
In response to these needs, FANUC, a leader in industrial robotics, partnered with APT Manufacturing and FlexPAC to design and implement a solution that would exceed the capabilities of manual labor. By leveraging FANUC’s state-of-the-art AI-driven vision system and robotic technologies, the team delivered a system that integrates seamlessly into Lakeside Book’s fulfillment center.
The mixed-case depalletizing system uses APT Manufacturing’s Pre-Engineered MOD-PAL-140, which is equipped with FANUC’s R-2000iC/125L robot. To process the diverse range of products, the robotic system also includes FANUC’s 3DV Vision Camera and iPC Box industrial PC. The system’s AI-powered vision system plays a crucial role in helping the robot identify and handle boxes of varying sizes, weights, and colors—ranging from 10 to 50 pounds—without any manual intervention.
A key feature of this robotic solution is the customized end-of-arm tool (EOAT) designed by APT Manufacturing to handle the complexity of product handling in the mixed-case shipments. FANUC’s AI Box Locator software, used in conjunction with its vision system, trains the robot to effectively pick boxes from pallets, providing enhanced precision and reliability. The system is capable of handling over nine cases per minute, which is even more efficient than originally projected. This performance has significantly increased throughput and reduced the strain on manual labor, allowing Lakeside Book Company to reallocate workers to other vital areas in the facility.
Before the automation system, Lakeside Book Company relied on a workforce to manually handle the depalletizing of mixed-case shipments—a task that involved lifting and moving heavy boxes, often weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. This was not only time-consuming but also physically taxing for the workers involved. The new robotic solution has successfully eliminated the need for manual handling of more than 45 million pounds of goods annually, easing the physical strain on workers and improving overall safety in the facility.
In addition to enhancing worker safety, the automation has freed up employees to be reassigned to other critical tasks within the fulfillment center. As a result, Lakeside Book Company has boosted its operational efficiency while reducing labor costs, allowing for reinvestment in other areas of the business.
Lakeside Book Company’s collaboration with FANUC, APT Manufacturing, and FlexPAC exemplifies its commitment to maintaining high standards of innovation and operational excellence. With a history that dates back to 1864, the company has continuously evolved to meet the growing demands of the book manufacturing industry. By incorporating the latest technologies, Lakeside Book Company ensures that it remains at the forefront of the industry, offering efficient and scalable solutions to its customers.
As a leader in book manufacturing, fulfillment, and distribution in North America, Lakeside Book Company understands the importance of maintaining a flexible and high-performing supply chain. The new robotic depalletizing system is a testament to the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize its operations while addressing labor challenges.
APT Manufacturing
APT Manufacturing Solutions, established in 1996, has long been a trusted provider of high-tech automation solutions for various industries. The company’s expertise in robotic integration and engineering support made it the perfect partner for Lakeside Book Company. APT Manufacturing’s capabilities include designing and implementing custom robotic solutions, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. As an authorized FANUC integrator with ISO 9001 certification, APT ensures that its systems meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
APT’s experience with FANUC robotics is complemented by their deep understanding of automation technology, making them a valuable asset for businesses seeking to improve their manufacturing and fulfillment processes.
By embracing advanced automation, Lakeside Book Company is not only staying competitive but is also setting the stage for future growth in an increasingly automated manufacturing environment.
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Tags: AI-driven vision, APT Manufacturing, automated depalletizing, book manufacturing, FANUC robotics, FlexPAC, industrial automation, industrial robotics, labor automation, Lakeside Book Company, mixed-case shipments, North America, North America book distributor, palletizing automation, robotic depalletizing, Robotics Integration
