OnRobot, a world-leading turnkey provider for collaborative robot (cobot) applications, has partnered with advanced automation technologies company ProPal Robotics to introduce an off-the-shelf collaborative palletiser for SMEs in Singapore. 

Powered by D:PLOY from OnRobot, a platform solution that provides same-day installation, requires no programming, and can be re-deployed within minutes, the introduction of ProPal20 and ProPal20L marks a groundbreaking advancement in the robotics industry.

Challenges for SMEs in Singapore

In Singapore, 99 percent of enterprises are SMEs (i.e., Small & Medium Enterprises with operating receipts not more than $100 million or employment of less than 200 workers).

ManpowerGroup Singapore also cites that 79% of local organisations are struggling to find and hire skilled talent in 2024, while 86 percent of hiring leaders find it challenging to compete for talent against multinational corporations.

By 2030, one in four citizens will be aged 65 and older; to tackle this challenge, the government will raise retirement and re-employment age. In 2026, the retirement age will be raised from 63 to 64, while the re-employment age will rise from 68 to 69.

However, James Taylor, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OnRobot argues that with the advancements in robot technology, automation can address these challenges. “While robotics is the most logical solution, there are still barriers to deploying robotics as it can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor for SMEs, who often lack the capital, programming skills and scale to justify the investment.”

Robotic palletisation solution with no programming required

Palletising – the logistics process of stacking goods on top of a pallet to consolidate the load, maximising warehouse space, and making it easier to transport goods is crucial for modern manufacturing and logistics. 

“Traditionally palletising is carried out by manual labour due to the high mix nature of production lines with one line often catering to different box sizes. This makes automation costly and difficult as programming and re-programming is time-consuming and requires external technical expertise,” says James.

The robotic solutions, built by ProPal Robotics and powered by D:PLOY, address these challenges as an industry-first off-the-shelf palletising solution that can be installed within just one day. 

“Thanks to D:PLOY, the ProPal20 allows operators with no programming skills to make their own modifications to the application. Switching between box types can sizes on the same line can be completed within minutes, keeping the production line moving with no disruptions,” says James.

This palletiser automates and optimises the process of transferring, loading and stacking cases of goods of up to 12kg onto the pallet with a cycle time of up to 8 boxes per minute. 

The solution includes a JAKA Zu20 cobot, a 20kg payload robot for safe industrial tasks such as material handling and assembly, paired with the OnRobot VGP20 gripper for efficient picking and packaging. It is controlled by the OR:BASE controller – a modular compute box with power and internet connectivity – and operated through D:PLOY software to simplify programming and workflow optimisation. 

Winning partnership that makes automation accessible to all

OnRobot provides end-of-arm tooling and sensors to all major collaborative robot brands, from two and three-finger grippers to sanders, vacuum, polishers, vision sensors, and more. OnRobot provides solutions for a broad range of applications and tasks. 

With D:PLOY, automation is simplified to provide companies with a flexible, easy, and affordable entry point into robotic automation. “Complete applications can be deployed in just a few hours, saving up to 90% on deployment and re-deployment time compared to conventional solutions up until now. No programming is required, and operators can make changes easily on the factory floor,” says James.

ProPal Robotics is a Singapore-based company with strong engineering and automation experience. Having developed turnkey solutions and being very familiar with the needs of SMEs in Singapore and developed this affordable, installation-ready solution to benefit SMEs who have been inhibited by the high investment and maintenance cost of automation and lack of programming expertise.

Sales Manager for ProPal Robotics, Charles Toh, believes that the launch of the ProPal20 and ProPal20L in conjunction with OnRobot’s D:PLOY will reduce the barriers to entry – particularly for SMEs. 

“OnRobot have the resources to maintain and continually improve the software, and the customer is empowered to use the system flexibly.”

James seconds the strength of the partnership on local shores, saying, “OnRobot and ProPal Robotics investment in Singapore aims to enable SME manufacturers that are currently facing workforce challenges and require a cost-effective solution for high mix palletising applications.”

He shares that OnRobot’s partnership with ProPal Robotics delivers a unique advantage to the local market. “We partner with local companies who can best serve the local market; this is our tried-and-trusted global model.”

“Together with ProPal Robotics, we believe that this solution will be well received and that it will shake up the industry as we know it,” concludes James.

Pricing and availability 

ProPal20 will be sold at an introductory price of SGD$ 73,000 ex GST. It comes complete with a 12-month warranty*, Palletiser Base Dual Pallet with robot pedestal, training, installation and set-up. For those in search of more stacking height, the ProPal20L offers a 2400mm pallet height and features the OnRobot Lift100. This solution also makes use of a JAKA Zu20 robot and is available for an introductory price of SGD$89,000 ex GST.

About OnRobot

OnRobot was founded in 2018 with the mission of breaking down automation barriers and bringing the benefits of robotic automation to manufacturers of all sizes. As a leading provider of robotic end-of-arm tooling and solutions, enhancing automation with innovative no-code platforms, grippers, sensors, and tool changers. Our solutions and products integrate seamlessly with collaborative and light industrial robots, boosting flexibility and efficiency.  We simplify automation for all businesses, enabling quick deployment in assembly, material handling, packaging, and CNC machine tending, screwdriving, sanding, and many more.

Partner Solutions: OnRobot partners to deliver out-of-the-box solutions with same-day installation, no programming, and re-deployment in minutes.

Global Reach: Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, with offices and over 700 distributors worldwide.

Market Enablers: We drive rapid and efficient automation adoption, fostering industry innovation.