Design of a cost-effective cookie feeding and delivery system on an automated robotic packaging manufacturing line

Abstract

In order to transition to an efficient and automated cookie packaging line at the Gamesa-Quaker plant in Monterrey, Mexico, the goal of this project was to design an improved system to feed individual cookie packages to robots on an assortment packaging line and evaluate any resulting changes in plant operations. The project and analysis are specific to the Surtido Rico assortment product packaging lines at Gamesa-Quaker. In order to accomplish this, three potential delivery methods and systems were evaluated, prototypes were designed and tested, and a recommendation for as improved design is presented. In addition to evaluation of the three delivery methods, this project required consideration of which criteria would be most relevant to determining efficiency in the line and cost-effectiveness. Further, each delivery method required different design and layout of the final product packaging. Sample customer surveys were conducted to ensure that any such product presentation changes did not negatively impact consumer perception of the product.