Automation of Production - How Trays Support Automation in Industry 4.0
Trays for automation are workpiece carriers that pass through an automated industrial system or production line, fulfilling various functions along the way.
Moritz Bittner
Updated on May 27, 2026
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Automation in Industry 4.0 – Key Points at a Glance
Automation in Industry 4.0 boosts efficiency, flexibility, and quality through networked machines, industrial robots, and sensor technology.
Trays, used as workpiece carriers, enable the autonomous transport of components through all stages of production and support robotics and process optimization.
Coded and multifunctional trays ensure digital data capture, traceability, and adaptability to various production systems.
In Industry 4.0, automation of production is crucial. It is based on the networking of machines and systems to create a smart factory where processes run autonomously and in real time. Production automation enables the use of modern technologies that make production processes not only more efficient and flexible but also better aligned with individual needs.
What Technologies are used for Automation?
Technologies like industrial robots, computer-controlled machines (CNC), and sensors improve operational safety and ensure consistently high production quality. In industrial manufacturing, many processes, from production to logistics, can be automated. This autonomy increases efficiency, reduces errors, and is a key element of automation technology. In the following sections, you’ll learn how trays enable production automation.
Which Processes Can Be Automated in Industrial Production?
Modern manufacturing presents many challenges in automating production, especially when optimizing key processes. Below are some of the central processes that are commonly automated:
Inbound Logistics
Components are delivered just-in-time
Packaged in practical units on pallets
Production
Components are automatically fed into special plastic trays (workpiece carriers)
Trays pass through all processing stages and can accommodate different component variants
Outbound Logistics
Finished parts are transported in precise packaging units
Reusable shuttle packaging can be used for return transport
How are trays used in fully or semi-automated systems?
In automated production systems, trays handle the continuous transport of components, from goods receipt to final removal.
Autonomous circulation: Empty trays are automatically fed into the system, filled or emptied at the processing stations, and discharged again at the end of the production line.
Palletizing systems: Depending on the type of system, drawer systems, tray stackers, or fully automatic palletizers are used. These systems ensure uninterrupted material flow and precise transfer to robots or conveyor technology.
Dimensional and standard adaptation: The tray dimensions are aligned with conveyor belts, robot gripping ranges, and standardized industrial containers. All common standards are stored in the formary database, so that the tray integrates exactly into existing processes.
Optimized handling: Shape, outer contours, and gripping areas are designed so that palletizing systems and robotics can safely pick up, stack, and position the trays – even at high cycle rates.
Optimal Tray Design for Automation in Production
There are important design aspects for plastic trays used in production automation:
Form nests: Form nests are suitable for different component shapes and stages
Packing density: Efficient utilization of the tray surface
Poka-Yoke elements: Prevent incorrect installation through clear positioning
Robot gripper adaptation: Nest contour aligned with the stroke of the gripper fingers
Material & stability: Suitable for multiple cycles in production
Tip: If you already have 3D data, you can also visualize it in our 3D Tray Generator. Simply register for free and get started right away.
How Trays Support Further Process Automation
Industrial robots are key in production automation. Primarily, they are responsible for loading and unloading parts in and out of the tray. The edge contour and wall construction depend on the symmetry of the parts and can be supported both visually and mechanically. To position the parts, elements like Poka-Yoke pins can be added to the tray.
Poka-Yoke Edges
Adaptation to the robot
The gripping point on the component must be selected so that the robot arm can grip safely.
Size, weight, and geometry of the component determine the cavity shape in the tray.
The nest contour is adapted to the optimal stroke of the gripper fingers.
The coating of the gripper jaws is based on the respective pick-and-place task.
Different robot systems
Simple grippers work with a fixed motion sequence.
More complex systems have integrated image processing and distance measurement systems to approach contours and components precisely.
Depending on the system used, the permissible tolerance range of the tray varies in interaction with the system.
How does the system capture tray data for production automation?
Automation trays can be encoded so that sensors can capture them and collect essential data. Options include binary detection systems in the tray frame and applying markings such as RFID chips, transponders, or fixed engravings that can be recognized and tracked. More information can be found under “Automation Trays.”
Integrated Transponder on the automation tray
Automation of Industry 4.0 Manufacturing through Trays – A Conclusion
The integration of trays into automated manufacturing processes offers an efficient solution to the challenges faced by modern industries. The adaptability to different manufacturing systems, as well as support for robotics, helps increase efficiency and precision. Ultimately, trays for production automation support and optimize Industry 4.0 in many areas.
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Frequently asked questions about using trays for production automation
Yes, multifunctional form nests allow different versions of a component to be accommodated.
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