Global Industrial launches mobile robot to automate pallet wrapping and reduce warehouse forklift traffic
This brings the wrapping machine to the pallet instead of moving heavy or unstable loads to fixed locations, improving warehouse safety
Global Industrial, a major supplier of equipment and supplies, has introduced a mobile robot stretch wrap machine aimed at transforming pallet wrapping processes in busy warehouse and logistics environments. The self-propelled, semi-autonomous device wraps irregular or oversized pallets directly on the floor, minimising the need for forklifts and streamlining workflows in facilities where space or heavy traffic rules out stationary wrapping stations, the company said in a press release.
The launch responds to growing pressure on industrial operators to boost efficiency and safety while managing labor shortages. As the global warehousing sector experiences demand growth fuelled by e-commerce expansion and supply chain diversification, companies are investing in automation to handle complex workflows and material handling requirements. Mobile robotic solutions are attracting attention as a way to reduce operational bottlenecks, cut costs, and future-proof warehouse infrastructure against shifting logistics needs.
By enabling facilities to bring the wrapping machine to the pallet instead of moving heavy or unstable loads to fixed locations, the mobile robot reduces forklift movements and offers a way to securely wrap non-standard items. This approach is increasingly relevant in an industry trending toward greater automation, with manufacturers and logistics providers seeking scalable solutions to meet demands for flexibility, improved safety, and sustainability.
The new system — which operates up to 8 hours on battery power and is managed via a touchscreen — targets operations with high throughput or diverse packaging formats, including manufacturing sites, distribution centers, and retail hubs.
“By taking the machine to the load rather than the load to the machine, our Mobile Robot Stretch Wrap Machine helps improve day-to-day operations by reducing forklift traffic and supporting more sustainable performance over time,” said Kelly O’Bryan, product manager at Global Industrial.
Key features of the machine include consistent, programmable film tension control for material optimization, three-wheel mobility without requiring dedicated stations, and a safety bumper designed to automatically stop the robot when it encounters obstacles.
The device also supports a range of pallet sizes with no maximum weight restriction, and is compatible with machine-grade stretch film made by the company. As warehousing automation continues its rapid adoption, solutions like these are set to play an expanding role in future-ready logistics.