Abstract

Purpose – To demonstrate the feasibility of designing a versatile packaging machine for folding cartons of complex geometry and shapes. Design/methodology/approach – The research conducts study of cartons of different geometry and shapes classifying them in suitable types and operations that a machine can understand, conceptualizing a machine that can handle such cartons, modeling and simulation of the machine, and finally design and development of the packaging machine. Findings – It has been shown that such a versatile machine is a possibility; it just needs miniaturization and investment on its development when such machines could be a reality. Research limitations/implications – This research was aimed at proving the principle, but for practical implementation considerations need to be given for a compact, portable system incorporating sensors. Originality/value – The design is unique in existence and has been shown to fold cartons of different complexity.