Proprietary Robotics vs. Integrated Third-Party Robots: Why AFA Takes a Different Approach
Not All Robotic Packaging Systems Are Created Equal
Many packaging equipment manufacturers purchase and integrate third-party robots into their machines. While this approach can provide automation capabilities, it can also create challenges related to service, spare parts, support, training, and long-term ownership costs.
At AFA Systems, we take a different approach.
Rather than integrating third-party robotic platforms, AFA designs and manufactures proprietary robotic technology in-house, specifically engineered for packaging applications. This allows us to deliver a more streamlined, reliable, and customer-focused automation solution.
Spare Parts, Service & Technical Support
Integrated Third-Party Robots
When a packaging machine incorporates an external robot supplier, customers often find themselves dealing with multiple support organizations.
Common questions include:
- Is the issue mechanical?
- Is it a controls problem?
- Is it related to the robot?
- Who is responsible for the repair?
In many cases, troubleshooting requires coordination between multiple vendors, increasing downtime, delaying repairs, and creating frustration for maintenance teams.
AFA Proprietary Robotics
With AFA, there is only one call to make.
Our service technicians support the entire machine, including:
- Mechanical assemblies
- Motion systems
- Controls
- Programming
- Robotics
AFA assumes full responsibility for machine performance, eliminating the delays and confusion that can occur when multiple suppliers are involved.
The result is faster troubleshooting, streamlined support, and reduced downtime.
System Integration
Integrated Third-Party Robots
Industrial robots are designed to serve a wide variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, welding, material handling, and packaging.
As a result, packaging machine builders must adapt their machines to work with a general-purpose robot platform. This can lead to:
- More complex programming
- Longer commissioning times
- Additional operator and maintenance training
- Greater system complexity
AFA Proprietary Robotics
AFA robots are designed exclusively for packaging automation.
Every robotic system is developed alongside the machine itself, creating a fully integrated platform that delivers:
- Unified and easy-to-use controls
- Simplified diagnostics
- Faster commissioning
- Reduced training requirements
- Optimized packaging performance
Because the machine and robot are engineered together from the beginning, customers benefit from a more reliable and user-friendly system.
Long-Term Cost of Ownership
Integrated Third-Party Robots
Over the life of the machine, customers may experience:
- Multiple service contracts
- Higher spare parts costs
- Additional training requirements
- Longer troubleshooting times
- Increased support complexity
AFA Proprietary Robotics
AFA’s single-source approach reduces complexity throughout the life of the machine, resulting in:
- Lower maintenance costs
- Faster service response
- Simplified training and operation
- Reduced downtime
- Improved productivity
- Better return on investment
By streamlining service, support, and spare parts management, AFA helps customers maximize equipment uptime and minimize total ownership costs.
Why AFA Builds Its Own Robots
AFA’s philosophy is simple: customers should not have to manage multiple suppliers to keep their packaging lines running.
By designing and manufacturing our own robotic technology, we deliver a complete automation solution supported by one engineering team, one service organization, and one spare parts network.
The result is a packaging system that is easier to maintain, easier to operate, and more cost-effective throughout its lifecycle.
When you choose AFA, you’re not just purchasing a machine. You’re partnering with a company that takes full responsibility for every aspect of the automation solution—from installation and training to service, upgrades, and long-term support.
Automation Within Reach.