// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Pallet
A flat, portable platform, usually made of wood or plastic, used to stack and move goods with a forklift or pallet jack.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A pallet is a flat transport structure, typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other jacking device, serving as the foundational unit for unit load handling and storage in supply chains.
BACKGROUND
A pallet is a flat transport structure, which supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, a pallet jack, a front loader, a jacking device, or an erect crane. Many pallets can handle a load of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). While most pallets are wooden, pallets may also be made of plastic, metal, paper, and recycled materials.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Skid
- shipping platform
- load board
USAGE NOTE
Standardized pallet sizes facilitate efficient loading and unloading of trucks and containers.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Pallet.
A global leader in pallet pooling services, CHEP (a Brambles company) is developing and deploying 'smart pallets' embedded with IoT devices. These devices provide real-time tracking of location, temperature, and impact, enabling unprecedented visibility and data analytics within the supply chain.
A major manufacturer of industrial robots, FANUC develops a dedicated line of high-speed palletizing robots. Their systems are equipped with advanced vision systems and software like PalletPRO, which allows for the simulation and automation of complex palletizing and depalletizing patterns.
A leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions, KUKA produces a wide range of industrial robots specifically designed for palletizing tasks. Their technology includes specialized grippers, software for optimizing layer patterns (KUKA.PalletTech), and integration into fully networked Industry 4.0 production lines.
Specializes exclusively in the development and management of tech-enabled, reusable smart pallets. Their BLOCKPal pallets are embedded with IoT sensor technology that tracks location and environmental conditions, providing actionable data through their supply chain intelligence platform.
A leading manufacturer of reusable plastic packaging, including pallets. ORBIS integrates RFID technology and IoT solutions into its products to enable tracking and tracing of assets, creating intelligent ecosystems that improve supply chain efficiency and sustainability.
Develops and manufactures autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling. Their portfolio includes self-driving pallet trucks and tow tractors that use AI-powered vision systems to autonomously transport palletized goods within manufacturing plants and warehouses.
A market leader in collaborative robots (cobots). Their cobots are designed to automate palletizing tasks in a flexible manner, often working safely alongside human employees. This technology allows for easy deployment and adaptation in dynamic production environments, a key aspect of Industry 5.0.
A global technology company that provides a comprehensive suite of robotic palletizing solutions. ABB develops high-speed robots, complete pre-engineered palletizing cells, and user-friendly software like RobotStudio Palletizing PowerPac, which simplifies the programming and simulation of palletizing operations.