Automatic Pallet Inspection System

mantis

A system designed to verify the structural integrity and quality of pallets before they are used in the production process. It detects anomalies before they enter the production cycle, ensuring operational continuity, system reliability, and operator safety.

Up to 250 pallets per hour.

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Operator Safety

A compliant pallet minimizes the risk of accidents during handling. MANTIS ensures that only suitable pallets enter the production cycle.

Production Performance

Prevents line stoppages caused by non-compliant pallets. Continuous inspection cycle of up to 250 pallets/hour, with automatic diversion of rejects.

Reliability

Robotic inspection is objective, consistent, and repeatable: it eliminates the variability of manual inspections and detects anomalies not visible to the naked eye.

Investment protection

A defective pallet can compromise palletizers, wrappers, and conveyor systems. MANTIS acts as a filter, preserving the performance and lifespan of the equipment.

Automatic pallet inspection system for intralogistics and manufacturing

What does MANTIS do

01

It verifies compliance

MANTIS is Ercopac’s automatic pallet inspection system designed to verify pallet compliance prior to use.

02

It does not interrupt the line flow

The system inspects every incoming pallet, verifies its integrity, dimensions, and structural compliance, selects suitable pallets, and automatically rejects defective ones, directing them to the reject station without interrupting the line’s flow.

03

It detects hidden defects

In many facilities, pallets are introduced without thorough checks, posing the risk of damaged pallets, incorrect dimensions, or defects not visible to the naked eye. These anomalies can compromise the entire cycle: blockages in automated systems, load instability, product damage, and unplanned downtime.

04

It acts preventively

MANTIS eliminates these critical issues at the source, before they impact the process.

How pallet inspection works

The system performs inspections as the pallet is picked up and before it is deposited at the first mechanical inspection station. Non-compliant pallets are immediately diverted to the reject station, without proceeding to subsequent stages.

Unlike traditional systems—which require multiple pallet storage areas and do not include preventive checks—the MANTIS robot performs inspections in advance, eliminating the risk of pallet stacks tilting and system jams caused by damaged or non-compliant pallets.

MANTIS’ inspection minimizes the risk of operator injury and protects the entire line from upstream anomalies.

Standard Checks: Mechanical and Optical

MANTIS performs a combination of mechanical checks and optical measurements:

Mechanical checks:

  • Base integrity
  • Strength of bottom and upper boards
  • Protruding nails crusher

Optical measurements:

  • Overall pallet dimensions
  • Hanging boards control
  • Pallet forking areas – short side

Efficiency, quality, and operational continuity

Efficiency

A inspected and compliant pallet improves efficiency during palletizing, wrapping, and internal handling. It eliminates unplanned downtime and reduces operating costs. The robotic cycle is significantly faster and more reliable than traditional systems.

Product Quality

A stable intralogistics cycle reduces the likelihood of complaints, disputes, and returns. Avoiding downstream issues also means avoiding rework costs and product losses.

OPTIONS

Available options

MANTIS can be configured with:

  • Automatic controlled pallet stacker
  • Additional buffer conveyors
  • Pallet cleaning and vacuum system
  • Pallet color inspection
  • Pallet weight inspection
  • External shape integrity of top boards control
  • Complete integrity of top boards control
  • Check of demi pallets
  • Check of EU, UK, PBR
  • Pallet forking areas – Long side

When to choose MANTIS

When line stoppages are caused by “invisible” issues

If the line stops for no apparent reason, the problem is often upstream: non-compliant pallets. MANTIS detects these anomalies before they impact the process.

When you have a highly automated end-of-line

In facilities with robots, conveyors, and automated systems, even a small pallet defect can trigger a chain reaction of stoppages. MANTIS ensures continuity and stability of the flow.

When you want to protect your investments in other machines

A defective pallet can compromise palletizers, wrappers, and conveyor systems. MANTIS acts as a preventive filter, preserving the performance and longevity of your equipment.

When you want to eliminate unreliable manual inspections

Visual inspections are subjective and not repeatable. MANTIS introduces an automatic, objective, and consistent inspection of every pallet.

When you handle high volumes of pallets

On high-throughput lines, even a small percentage of defective pallets can cause significant inefficiencies. MANTIS scales up inspection without slowing down the process, up to 250 pallets per hour.

When you want to prevent rather than correct

MANTIS doesn’t address the problem—it prevents it. It’s a preventive solution that eliminates critical issues before they turn into costs, downtime, or risks for the line.

Request the MANTIS technical data sheet

Fill out the form to receive the technical specifications for the MANTIS automatic pallet inspection system and evaluate the configuration best suited to your facility.