Cama merges secondary packaging and AMR intralogistics in a single automated architecture

The evolution of the packaging cell into a logistical node

For decades, the secondary packaging industry has treated the cartoning machine as an isolated island on the factory floor. Corrugated blanks arrived on pallets, operators manually fed magazines, and finished cases were whisked away by traditional conveyors. However, the persistent labor shortages and the demand for higher throughput in 2026 are forcing a structural shift. Cama Group is demonstrating exactly what this new paradigm looks like at PACK EXPO International in Chicago, moving beyond the traditional machine boundaries to connect the packaging cell directly with internal material movement.

At Booth N-5146, the Italian manufacturer is not just showcasing another top loader. The company is presenting an architecture where its MTL Monobloc Top Loader operates in sync with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated loading systems. This approach effectively erases the line between secondary packaging and intralogistics, turning the cartoning process into a fully integrated node within the smart factory.

Inside the MTL Monobloc Top Loader

The core of Cama's proposition in Chicago is the MTL Monobloc Top Loader. From an engineering standpoint, the value lies in footprint consolidation. The system integrates carton erection, product grouping, filling, and closing within a single unified frame. For plant managers dealing with limited floor space, reducing the complexity of synchronizing multiple separate machines is a critical advantage.

But the mechanical integration is only part of the equation. The speed and precision of the system rely heavily on Cama's proprietary robotic platforms. The setup features six RB002 delta robots working in tandem with the latest RB003 carbon-fiber robot. By developing these kinematics in-house, Cama ensures that the software handshake between the vision systems, the delta robots, and the carton management is seamless. The use of carbon fiber in the RB003 specifically addresses the need for faster cycle times without compromising the structural integrity of the robotic arm during high-speed product handling.

Connecting the dots with AMRs and automated loading

Where the demonstration truly aligns with current industry pain points is in the material feed and extraction. Cama has integrated an Automatic Carton Loader (ACL) designed to automate the loading of carton blanks into the machine's magazines. When paired with autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics, the system achieves a level of autonomy that drastically reduces operator intervention.

• Continuous operation: AMRs supply corrugated blanks exactly when the machine signals a low inventory, preventing micro-stops.
• Labor reallocation: Operators are freed from the repetitive task of magazine feeding, allowing them to focus on line optimization and quality control.
• Layout flexibility: By relying on AMRs rather than fixed conveyors for material supply, plants can reconfigure their secondary packaging lines with unprecedented agility.

This integration speaks directly to the corrugated industry as well. As packaging machinery becomes more autonomous, the tolerances for corrugated board quality, flatness, and die-cut precision become much tighter. A robot does not have the tactile intuition of a human operator to force a warped blank into a magazine. Therefore, Cama's highly automated architecture demands premium, consistent corrugated materials to maintain its high overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

A strategic shift for the US market

Cama's deployment at PACK EXPO 2026 highlights a mature understanding of the North American market. Food, pet food, and pharma manufacturers are no longer buying standalone machines; they are investing in continuous flow architectures. By bridging the gap between the cartoning process and the warehouse through AMRs and advanced robotics, Cama is positioning itself not just as a machinery builder, but as a comprehensive automation partner.

The transition from isolated packaging lines to interconnected logistical ecosystems is the defining trend of this decade. Cama's ability to unify these disciplines under a single control architecture provides a clear blueprint for the future of secondary packaging.

The integration of AMRs with high-speed cartoning is a necessary evolution that finally treats the packaging line as a dynamic part of the supply chain rather than a static endpoint. Will the corrugated industry be able to guarantee the absolute dimensional consistency required to feed these fully autonomous, zero-touch packaging architectures? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai