Depalletizers

A depalletizer unloads pallets of empty cans, bottles, or cases. Bulk sweep-off and robotic vision models, rated layers per minute, tier sheets, top frames.

Updated October 2, 2026

A depalletizer unloads a pallet. It takes containers or cases off the pallet and feeds them onto a conveyor. It is a palletizer working in reverse. Beverage and food plants use bulk depalletizers to feed empty cans and bottles to the filler. Warehouses and co-packers use robotic depalletizers to unload pallets of full cases.

This page covers both kinds. It lists real models with their rated speeds. All speeds here are the makers’ rated speeds, not real output. Your output depends on your containers, pallet quality, and the line after the depalletizer.

Two main kinds

Bulk depalletizers for empty containers

Can and bottle makers ship empty containers on pallets in layers. A bulk depalletizer lifts the stack one layer at a time. A sweep bar then pushes the whole layer onto a discharge table. The containers flow from there in a single file to the filler. This is called sweep-off depalletizing.

High-level. The layer leaves at a raised height. The pallet hoist lifts the load up to the sweep level. In the table below, they are rated faster.

Low-level. The layer leaves near the floor. Operators reach the machine without stairs.

Rated speeds for bulk depalletizers

In this table, the high-level machines are rated at 7 to 10 layers per minute. The low-level machines are rated at about 3 to 3.4 layers per minute. These models were picked because their makers publish specs. This is not a ranking.

Turning layers into containers

Your line runs in containers per minute, but bulk machines are rated in layers per minute. To compare, use this formula:

containers per minute = layers per minute × containers per layer

Get the containers per layer from your can or bottle supplier’s pallet spec. Then check the result against your filler’s top speed. Leave room for pallet changes and tier sheet removal. Arrowhead’s Xodus rating includes pallet change. Ask other makers whether theirs does.

Before the depalletizer

Empty container loads often arrive strapped, and some come stretch wrapped or hooded. Straps, wrap, and hoods must come off before the first sweep. On many lines a worker does this by hand next to the infeed. Some lines use an automatic station instead. Ask the depalletizer supplier which it offers.

Manual strap and wrap removal has its own hazards. A cut strap can spring back. Knives cause cuts. A loose top layer of glass can tip. Do this work on a stopped infeed, away from the hoist. Use the cutters and gloves your safety staff choose.

Tier sheets, top frames, and empty pallets

Empty container loads come with dunnage. Dunnage is the packing material that holds the load together. A depalletizer must remove it and stack it for return.

• Tier sheets are flat sheets between layers. They keep each layer flat. A-B-C says that on its Model 108, “the tier sheet is retained in position by four tier sheet grippers” while the layer moves. A sheet that sticks or tears can stop the line.
• Top frames are frames on top of the load. They hold the top layers square during shipping. The machine removes the frame before the first sweep.
• Empty pallets leave the machine once the last layer is gone.

Arrowhead lists dunnage handling of “44″ x 56″ for pallet, top frames and tier sheets” on its low-level palletizer/depalletizer. It says the Xodus has “multiple dunnage options.” Give the supplier the exact sheet, frame, and pallet your container supplier uses.

Keeping containers standing

Empty cans and light bottles tip over easily. A-B-C’s Model 108 sweep carriage has “four containment devices that ensure bottle stability; two adjustable side plates, a rear sweep bar, and front support bar.” A-B-C says the machine needs no tools or change parts to switch container types. Sidel says its Sweepoff machines “deliver automatic changeovers in under one minute without mechanical intervention.” Test with your lightest container.

Robotic case depalletizers

A robotic depalletizer uses a robot arm to unload full cases. It can pick one case, a row, or a whole layer. Honeywell Intelligrated offers robotic depalletizers with Motoman, KUKA, and FANUC robot arms. It lists “Single case, row, or layer handling.” It also offers the semi-automatic Alvey Model 450.

Layer grippers

For single-SKU pallets, the robot can take a whole layer at once. Schmalz rates its SPZ layer gripper at a “Max. 250 kg” payload. Schmalz lists it for “Palletizing or depalletizing cardboards, glasses, cans, buckets, etc.” Dematic’s AMCAP system uses a layer picking robot that “depalletizes by layer onto the conveyor.”

Vision for mixed and unknown cases

When cases vary, the robot needs vision. A vision system uses cameras and software to find each case’s edges, size, and position. FANUC mentions “3D vision to depalletize raw material bags.” Mujin says its depalletizing handles “unknown box sizes, irregular patterns, and multi-SKU pallets without manual teaching.” Multi-SKU means the pallet holds more than one product.

Symbotic’s FY2023 annual report says its vision-guided robots “de-palletize up to 1,800 cases and 200 SKU layers per hour.” Symbotic lists its depalletizing cells as part of a fully integrated distribution center system. See how mixed-SKU systems work.

Vision results depend on your pallets. Ask the supplier for its pick success rate on your real pallets. Ask what happens when the robot cannot find a case.

Truck unloading is a different job

Some robots unload loose cases from trailers, not pallets. Boston Dynamics says its Stretch robot handles “trailer unloading” and boxes “up to 50 pounds.” It says Stretch can “move hundreds of cases an hour.” That is truck unloading, not pallet depalletizing. Do not compare its rate with a pallet depalletizer.

Choosing a depalletizer

The buying guide covers rates, space, and acceptance tests in more detail. Plan the palletizing conveyor for full pallets in and empty pallets out.

Cost

None of the depalletizer makers above publish prices on the pages cited. See prices by palletizer type for the public prices we found.

Safety

Bulk depalletizers have heavy hoists and fast sweep bars. Robot cells have fast arms. Never bypass guards, interlocks, light curtains, or area scanners. Use lockout/tagout before anyone enters the machine or clears a jam. This includes fallen containers and stuck tier sheets. Some routine jam clearing may use documented alternative measures instead, under OSHA’s narrow minor servicing exception. See palletizer safety for the limits.

Never stand under the hoist or a raised load. Lower or block the hoist before you enter. Rockwell’s palletizer guide lists “lowering by gravity” as a hoist hazard. Clean up broken glass only under lockout, with cut-resistant gloves and a brush or scraper, not bare hands. OSHA’s lockout rule, 29 CFR 1910.147, covers work where “unexpected energization or start up” could cause injury. See hoist and lockout safety.