Robotic labeling system and method of labeling packages

A robotic labeling system comprising:

• a package locating system for locating a package at a labeling station;
• 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 application system including a controller for controlling the label applicator, the label printer printing at least one label for the package, the label applicator including a multi-axis robot having an arm movable in three-dimensional space, the label applicator having 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 including a landscape end effector discrete from the portrait end effector and coupled to the arm and configured to transport the label from the label printer to the package in a landscape orientation, the label applicator including a label verification scanning device configured to scan the label applied to the package by at least one of the portrait end effector and the landscape end effector to verify proper application of the label to the package.

A method of labeling a package comprising:

• locating the package in a labeling station;
• scanning an identification tag on the package using a scanning device to identify the package;
• printing a label for the package at a label printer, the printed label being in one of a portrait orientation or a landscape orientation based on the identity of the package determined by the scanning device;
• applying the label to the package using a portrait end effector of a label applicator when the label is in the portrait orientation;
• and
• applying the label to the package using a landscape end effector of the label applicator discrete from the portrait end effector when the label is in the landscape orientation.