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In sensitive sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, specific laws, regulations, and the strictest hygiene standards apply. Requirements like these create a barrier to entry, which is why standard robots are typically found in the secondary packaging sector.

For all other tasks, such as packaging open food or filling vials with liquid pharmaceuticals, robots must meet the strictest hygiene requirements, including sterility. Process reliability, dynamics, and precision are also among the key criteria.

With numerous model variants of four- and six-axis robots, Stäubli can precisely meet industry-specific requirements. The supplier recently added two more innovations to this unique portfolio. "At Interpack, we will demonstrate two practical demo applications as well as the TX2-60L Stericlean+ in the hollow wrist version and Sterimove, the world’s first mobile robot able to operate under aseptic conditions. This is a milestone for the pharmaceutical industry," says Rudolf M. Weiss, Global Head LIFE Robotics of Stäubli Robotics.

Sterimove: a globally unique concept

Sterimove is more than an innovation. This mobile robot represents a decisive contribution to safer, more productive and more reliable pharmaceutical production. It also sets new standards for mobile robotics in Grade A/B/C/D environments. Sterimove minimizes contamination risks from manual intervention, increases productivity, and ensures safety and reliability in the most sensitive environments. Thanks to its modularity, easy cleaning, and contamination-free design, it is the ultimate solution for pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking safety and operational excellence.

Specialized designs: From HE and H1 to Stericlean and Stericlean+

Both the SCARAs of the TS2 series and the TX2 six-axis units have proven their capabilities in the humid environment (HE) configuration with food-grade oil (H1) across all applications in food production. These four- and six-axis robots are also available in the Stericlean version for operating under aseptic conditions. For direct use in isolators in highly aseptic GMP Grade A pharmaceutical environments, Stäubli offers the Stericlean+ variant, the ideal robot for the strictest requirements.

For the first time at Interpack, Stäubli will exhibit the TX2-60L in the Stericlean+ version with the optional hollow wrist. "With these robots, the engineers have taken the hygienic design to the extreme with a completely closed structure from the base to the flange. The hollow wrist model offers unparalleled cleanability and improves decontamination processes compared to the standard model," says Weiss. Cleaning processes are simplified, and the robot’s design also prevents particles from adhering to the coating. The Stericlean+ with hollow wrist option for the TX2-60 and TX2-60L models is now available to order.

Practical application demos

At Interpack, Stäubli will also demonstrate the performance of its robots through two demo-applications, specifically in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. In an AI-optimized, robot-assisted food application, a TS2-80 SCARA in HE and H1 design will display its high dynamics in handling unpackaged food. The highlight: This SCARA is equipped with a newly designed bellows made from FDA-compliant materials, making it suitable for use in direct contact with food.

A second cell will demonstrate the advantages of using a TX2-60L Accesspharma for secondary packaging of pharmaceuticals. With the recently launched Accesspharma, which focuses on Grade C cleanroom environments, Stäubli closes the loop with fast, reliable automation solutions for non-aseptic areas. This allows customers to avoid the significantly larger investment required for more complex model variants.