Applied Manufacturing Technologies Introduces Automated Roll Handling Systems for Converting Operations!

Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), a North American automation engineering firm specialising in advanced material handling and end-of-line solutions, has introduced four new automated robotic roll handling systems designed specifically for converting industry environments. The systems are now operating at a major Midwest packaging converter, underscoring AMT’s expansion into roll and coil automation—areas where manual handling has traditionally constrained productivity and increased safety risks.

While AMT is well known for its capabilities in palletising, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and robotic material handling, the new deployments extend that expertise to large roll handling, where variability in roll sizes, pallet patterns, and plant layouts presents daily operational challenges.

Craig Salvalaggio, President of AMT, said that handling large rolls places significant physical strain on workers and introduces safety concerns. He noted that the objective of the new systems was to reduce risk, increase production efficiency, and enable manufacturers to redeploy labour to higher-value tasks.

According to Tom Marx, Sales Account Manager at AMT, the systems were designed around real-world production needs. Converters often deal with frequent changeovers and existing equipment constraints, so flexibility and intuitive operation were prioritised to allow operators to manage changes quickly without requiring additional engineering resources.

Each automated roll handling solution is capable of accommodating a wide range of roll dimensions and pallet configurations. Key features include programmable operation via HMI or pendant controls, automatic end-of-arm tool changing, and compatibility with barcode scanning, vision systems, and upstream and downstream equipment. The systems can also interface with conveyors, forklifts, or AMRs, allowing customers to customise automation to their facility layouts.

The deployments draw on AMT’s broader experience delivering integrated material handling solutions that combine robotics, sensors, motion control, and coordinated system logic. Similar approaches have been applied across machine tending, thermoformed product handling, and line-side transfer applications, where complex payloads and constrained environments demand robust and adaptable automation strategies.

With these roll handling systems, AMT continues to strengthen its position as a provider of flexible, safety-focused automation solutions that address labour challenges while improving consistency and efficiency in demanding converting operations.