Device for loading flat elements onto a work table of a machine tool

A device (10, 110) adapted to load flat elements, such as panels (26) or similar, onto a work table (P) of a machine tool (M), said device comprising:

• a supporting structure (12, 112), defining a supporting surface (14, 114) substantially parallel to said work table (P), adapted to accommodate a panel (26) on said supporting surface (14), in a position to be able to be loaded onto said work table (P);
• and
• at least one lifting arm (22, 122), connected to the supporting structure (12, 112), provided with pick-up means (24, 124), said lifting arm (22, 122) being configured to pick up a panel (26) from a stack (28) of panels and to position said panel (26) on the supporting surface (14, 114);
• wherein the lifting arm (22, 122) comprises articulated elements and wherein the pick-up means (24, 124) are configured to rotate the panel (26) relative to a horizontal axis, parallel to the supporting surface (P) so that said lifting arm (22, 122) can, in a pick-up position, grip the panel (26) by a first face (A) facing upward and, in a first release position, position said panel (26) on said supporting surface (14, 114) with said first face (A) facing the latter or, in a second release position, position said panel (26) on said supporting surface (14, 114) with said first face (A) in the opposite direction, i.e., facing outward.