Robotic strapping machine and method

A strapping system for automatically applying strapping to at least one associated object having a void, the strapping system comprising:

• means for forming a continuous chute passing through the void of the at least one associated object, the means for forming a continuous chute including a first end effector and second end effector, each end effector mountable to a robotic arm and including at least a portion of a chute, the end effectors movable relative to each other when mounted to a robotic arm such that the chute portions of each end effector can be selectively brought together in a plurality of orientations to define a generally continuous chute loop through which a strapping material can be advanced to surround the at least one associated object located at least partially within the chute loop, wherein at least one of the chute portions is adjustable in length and/or lateral spacing to change a dimension of the chute;
• means for advancing a strapping material through the continuous chute;
• and
• means for securing a tag end of the strapping material to a standing portion of the strapping material.