A Transformer created entirely from corrugated board and which is able to metamorphose from an upright humanoid robot into a four-wheeled vehicle is to be unveiled at Pro2Pac on Monday 23rd March.

The Transformer, created by corrugated packaging specialists, Atlas Packaging, is designed to showcase the extraordinary possibilities of corrugated board at the UK’s leading packaging event for the food & drink industry.

The idea for the Transformer was conceived by Dave King who heads up Atlas’s structural design team. Dave and his team are constantly looking at ways to push the boundaries of this simple material and a Transformer seemed like an Optimus Prime idea!

Jason Sharman Managing Director at Atlas Packaging commented on the project: ‘Atlas is already widely regarded for its innovative approach to corrugated packaging in the UK. We have a world class design engineering team in-house, led by Dave, and when they came to the Board to pitch the idea of an Optimus Prime Transformer, we were delighted to show our support and give them carte blanche to get creative and transform our perceptions.’

Dave explains the process: ‘First of all we had to find someone to wear the Transformer costume. Once we had a candidate, we had to take accurate measurements, working out the length of their torso, comfortable reach and accommodate these varying dimensions when in the ‘vehicle’ mode position. The truck was then designed to fit these measurements. In order to enable the truck to transform into an upright robot, we engineered the arms and legs so they naturally locate into the main body. The wheels on the leg pieces rotate and guns appear from the hands. Getting the structure to transform smoothly and flawlessly was the greatest challenge. This is a process which we have now mastered and can be applied to packaging projects for any of our customers in the future.’

Atlas will be exhibiting at Pro2Pac and will be using their stand to showcase a number of innovative corrugated ideas for the packaging industry. Also on display will be a replica formula one racing car which will be up for grabs, post Pro2Pac, to a lucky winner branded with their own company’s graphics.