A multi-purpose labeling system can include a conveyor, a visual analysis module, and a labeling assembly. The conveyor can move an object in a first direction. The visual analysis module can include an optical sensor directed toward the conveyor to generate image data depicting the object. The labeling assembly can be spaced from the conveyor in a second direction and include a printer, a labeling module, and an alignment assembly. The printer can print a label based on the image data, and the labeling module can have a labeling plate for receiving the label. The alignment assembly can include a lateral-motion module, a vertical-motion module, and a rotary module for moving the labeling module along or about the first, the second, and a third direction, and can place the labeling plate adjacent to an object surface.

The present application relates to a method and system for labeling one or more products such as packages transported along a conveyer, and more specifically to applying a label on a respective package by way of a vertically adjustable assembly positioned above the conveyor. The adjustable assembly includes at least a label printer and an applicator for printing and applying the label on a surface of the package on the conveyor.

A labeling device (1) for applying a label to a product (2) located on a conveyor (3), includes an application cell (4), at least two label dispensers (5a,b) arranged outside the application cell (4) and an applicator (6), mounted inside the application cell (4), the applicator (6) being adapted to label the product (2) at variable positions on the conveyor (3) individually detected by a measuring system (9) at variable conveyor speeds, such that the labels are applied by a method for applying a label by the labeling device (1).

An apparatus for an efficient label application comprising a conveyor belt; a barcode reader that is disposed above a conveyor belt and attached to a first cross beam; a 3D profiler that is disposed above said conveyor belt and attached to a second cross beam, and records size, shape, and orientation of a shipping package; a first plexiglass shield that comprises a light curtain; wherein said first plexiglass shield and light curtain protect a robotic arm's operating space on one side of said conveyor belt; a second plexiglass shield that protects said robotic arm's foot; a printer that is disposed next to said robotic arm; two upward facing fans that are disposed between said printer and said robotic arm, and, together, create an air cushion; a third plexiglass shield that protects said robotic arm, air cushion, and printer on second side of said conveyor belt; said first plexiglass shield, third plexiglass shied, and said conveyor belt define and protect a critical zone of said robotic arm's operating space; a printer control panel that is mounted on said third plexiglass shield; an operator control panel that allows said apparatus to be started, stopped, and calibrated, and is mounted on said third plexiglass shield.

An apparatus for an efficient label application comprising a conveyor belt; a barcode reader that is disposed above a conveyor belt and attached to a first cross beam; a 3D profiler that is disposed above said conveyor belt and attached to a second cross beam, and records size, shape, and orientation of a shipping package; a first plexiglass shield that comprises a light curtain; wherein said first plexiglass shield and light curtain protect a robotic arm's operating space on one side of said conveyor belt; a second plexiglass shield that protects said robotic arm's foot; a printer that is disposed next to said robotic arm; two upward facing fans that are disposed between said printer and said robotic arm, and, together, create an air cushion; a third plexiglass shield that protects said robotic arm, air cushion, and printer on second side of said conveyor belt; said first plexiglass shield, third plexiglass shied, and said conveyor belt define and protect a critical zone of said robotic arm's operating space; a printer control panel that is mounted on said third plexiglass shield; an operator control panel that allows said apparatus to be started, stopped, and calibrated, and is mounted on said third plexiglass shield.

A robotic labeling system includes a package locating system, a package identification system having a scanning device configured to scan an identification tag on the package to identify an orientation of the package in the labeling station, and a label application system including a label printer and a label applicator. The label printer prints at least one label for the package. The label applicator includes a multi-axis robot having an arm movable in three-dimensional space. The label applicator has a portrait end effector coupled to the arm configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a portrait orientation. The label applicator has a landscape end effector coupled to the arm configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a landscape orientation. The label applicator is operated based on the orientation of the package in the labeling station as determined by the scanning device.

A system moves items, like containers and/or pallets, through a label printing station. The station has a label printer that prints adhesive labels; and a robot arm terminating at a movable end with a suction pad or vacuum device and sensors. The station has sensors configured to measure a height of the item; and a processor coupled to receive the height of the item, to control the robot arm and label printer, and to receive label information from a server. The processor has a memory containing code that computes desired label positions based on height of the container/pallet. A method of labeling an item includes printing an adhesive label with the label information obtained from a server; receiving the adhesive label on a suction pad or vacuum device attached to a movable end of a robot arm, and determining a first labeling position from measured height of the container/pallet.

Devices, systems, and methods for automatically printing and applying one or more label to at least one item to enable shipping of the at least one item by a carrier are provided. In some aspects, a movable label applicator device includes a printer for printing the one or more label onto a supply of labeling material, wherein the one or more printed label contains unique information associated with the at least one item. In some aspects, the device further includes an applicator for applying the one or more printed label to a surface of the at least one item, wherein the applicator is configured to apply multiple labels to the surface of the at least one item such that the multiple labels are removably stacked on top of one another.

A robotic labeling system for packages includes a package database management system including a package database storing package data and a package labeling controller communicatively coupled to the package database management system. The robotic labeling system includes a package locating system receiving locating inputs from the package labeling controller for locating the packages at a labeling station and a package identification system having a scanning device scanning an identification tag on the package to determine the package identification and orientation. The robotic labeling system includes a label application system having a labeling device and label applicator that prepares and applies a shipping label and a customer specific label to the package based on the content data stored in the package database. The robotic labeling system may verify the applied labels based on the scanned data on the package and either discharging or rejecting the package based on the scanned data.

Aspects herein provide a system, methods, and media for applying labels to objects without overlapping or obscuring existing labels or other indicia. In some aspects, an object in motion and labels or indicia on the object are visually identified using near real-time imaging and details of geometric characteristics are determined. An additional label is then generated, printed, and physically applied or attached to the object in motion so that the angle, placement, and orientation of the additional label matches or aligns with the existing labels or indicia, without overlapping or obscuring the existing labels or indicia.