Körber with new solutions for pallet handling

With a new solution for the wrapping of pallets and mixed pallets, Körber responds to the demands of distribution centers that work with a variety of stock keeping units (SKUs) and store-specific pallets. The MixPal system aims to address the most labor-intensive bottleneck in warehouses and enables a direct transition from the pallet to the mixed pallet.

Efficient Automation in the Warehouse

The MixPal system eliminates complex and costly intermediate steps such as de-palletizing, buffering, and picking. It allows for the mixing of pallets with different item numbers and is particularly suitable for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, the food and beverage industry, as well as for third-party logistics providers (3PL). Jan Kristensen, Head of R&D at Körber’s Supply Chain business unit, explains: “Every distribution center familiar with assembling ready-to-sell pallets with dozens of different products knows that this is a very labor-intensive task. Our MixPal fully automates this process and assembles pallets with multiple item numbers optimized for sale.”

The solution combines proven technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and Körber’s gantry system with modern image processing systems and software. This enables a direct pallet-to-pallet solution, eliminating the need for de-palletizing, intermediate storage, and the transport of individual cartons. AMRs transport the pallets and position them under the portal solution, allowing cartons to be directly taken from incoming pallets and placed onto the order pallet. The solution requires little space and is also economically viable for smaller facilities, as no storage or conveyor capacities are needed.

Flexibility for Different Warehouse Sizes

Kristensen emphasizes the benefits for medium-sized warehouses and distribution centers that often face staffing shortages but cannot invest in comprehensive automation solutions. “Thanks to the small footprint of this modular and flexible system, it is suitable for smaller locations and can be quickly implemented in both existing warehouses and new construction projects,” he explains.

The MixPal solution can process up to 800 cartons per hour per portal system and utilizes AI-based technology that automatically creates stable and secure pallets that meet retailer requirements. This digitized solution also enables data-driven insights into operational processes, which is highly beneficial for many distribution centers.

“The reduction of labor-intensive bottlenecks is a compelling business argument for most warehouses that need to assemble ready-to-sell mixed pallets. Additionally, Körber’s digital tools provide valuable data and insights into all operations. We not only eliminate a bottleneck but also offer new opportunities to optimize processes,” Kristensen adds.

Körber presented the MixPal solution at LogiMAT 2026 and demonstrated how warehouses with medium throughput can quickly and efficiently implement the automation of ready-to-sell pallets.

www.koerber.com