The integration of robotics in the food sector has enhanced the efficiency of production processes, safety and quality across various stages of food preparation and distribution. As the demand for food continues to grow alongside rising global population rates, the use of robotics offers innovative solutions to address labour shortages and improve operational efficiency.
This article delves into the Top 10 applications of robotics within the food industry, showcasing how these technologies are transforming tasks such as sorting, packaging and sanitation. We also highlight the potential to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex food supply chain.
10. Sorting and grading
Robotic systems equipped with advanced vision technology revolutionise food sorting and grading processes. These robots efficiently categorise fruits, vegetables and other food items based on size, colour, shape and quality.
Companies like TOMRA Food and Key Technology manufacture sorting robots that use cameras, near-infrared sensors and machine learning algorithms to achieve high-speed, accurate sorting. For instance, TOMRA's TOMRA 5C machine can sort up to 23 tonnes of potatoes per hour, significantly outperforming manual sorting. These systems ensure consistent quality, reduce labour costs and minimise food waste by precisely identifying and removing defective items from production lines.
9. Cutting and deboning
Robotic cutting and deboning systems have transformed meat processing, offering precision, efficiency and improved worker safety. Companies like Marel and Scott Technology produce sophisticated robots capable of complex tasks such as chicken deboning and beef primal cutting. Marel's RoboBatcher, for example, uses 3D scanning to analyse each piece of meat before making precise cuts, optimising yield and reducing waste.
In fish processing, Baader's machines can fillet fish with remarkable accuracy. These robots not only increase production speed but also ensure consistent quality and reduce the risk of contamination, addressing key challenges in the meat and fish processing industries.
8. Packaging and palletising
Robotics have significantly enhanced packaging and palletising operations in the food industry. Companies like ABB and FANUC offer a range of robots designed for these tasks. ABB's FlexPicker, for instance, can pick and place up to 450 items per minute, ideal for packaging delicate foods like chocolates or biscuits. For heavier loads, FANUC's M-410 series robots can palletise up to 2,500 kg, streamlining end-of-line operations. These robots ensure consistent packaging, reduce labour costs and minimise product damage. They also offer flexibility, easily adapting to different package sizes and configurations, which is crucial in an industry with frequently changing consumer demands.
7. Food processing
Robotics in food processing cover a wide range of applications, from ingredient handling to cooking. Companies like Stäubli and Kawasaki Robotics offer specialised robots for food-grade environments. Stäubli's TX2touch HE series, for example, is designed for humid environments and can perform tasks like cake decorating or pizza topping placement. Kawasaki's duAro collaborative robot can work alongside humans in tasks such as noodle making or sushi rolling. These robots enhance consistency in food preparation, increase production rates and reduce the risk of contamination. They're particularly valuable in mass production settings, ensuring uniform quality across large batches of processed foods.
6. Quality control
Robotic quality control systems in the food industry employ advanced sensors and AI to ensure product consistency and safety. Companies like Cognex and Keyence provide vision systems that can be integrated into robotic inspection lines. These systems can detect defects, foreign objects, and packaging errors at high speeds. For instance, Cognex's In-Sight 2000 series can perform over 6,000 inspections per minute, far exceeding human capabilities. These robots not only improve product quality but also help companies comply with stringent food safety regulations. By automating quality control, manufacturers can reduce recalls, enhance consumer trust, and optimise production efficiency.
5. Dairy processing
Robotics play a crucial role in modernising dairy processing, from milking to cheese production. Companies like Lely and DeLaval manufacture robotic milking systems that allow cows to be milked on demand, improving animal welfare and milk yield. In cheese production, robots from firms like Tetra Pak can handle tasks such as cheese cutting and packaging. For instance, Tetra Pak's robotic cheese application can cut and package up to 1,000 kg of cheese per hour with high precision. These systems enhance hygiene, consistency, and efficiency in dairy processing, helping to meet increasing consumer demand for dairy products while maintaining high quality standards.
4. Beverage production
Robotics have significantly improved efficiency and consistency in beverage production. Companies like Krones and KHS offer robotic solutions for tasks ranging from bottle handling to filling and capping. Krones' Robobox T-GS, for example, can palletize up to 800 layers per hour, streamlining end-of-line operations.
In brewing, robots assist in tasks like keg handling and cleaning. ABB's IRB 660 robot, capable of handling payloads up to 180 kg, is often used in breweries for moving heavy kegs. These robotic systems not only increase production speed but also improve worker safety by handling repetitive and potentially dangerous tasks in beverage manufacturing environments.
3. Bakery automation
Robotics in bakery automation enhance consistency, hygiene and production capacity. Companies like Kaak Group and Rademaker provide robotic solutions for various bakery processes. Kaak's Multitwin robot, for instance, can handle up to 30,000 buns per hour, performing tasks like pan handling and product transfer. Rademaker's robotic decorating systems can apply toppings and icings with high precision, ensuring uniform appearance across large batches. These robots not only increase production efficiency but also allow for greater product customisation, meeting the growing consumer demand for diverse bakery products while maintaining consistent quality and reducing labour costs.
2. Harvesting and agriculture
Robotic systems are increasingly used in harvesting and agriculture, addressing labour shortages and improving efficiency. Companies like Harvest CROO Robotics and Abundant Robotics develop specialised harvesting robots. Harvest CROO's strawberry harvester can pick a plant in 8 seconds and cover 8 acres a day, significantly outperforming human pickers. Abundant Robotics has created an apple-picking robot that uses vacuum technology to gently remove fruit from trees. These robots not only speed up harvesting but also reduce crop damage and labour costs. They can work around the clock and in various weather conditions, helping to meet the growing global demand for food production.
1. Sanitation and cleaning
In a post-COVID world, there are few things more important than food hygiene.
Robotic systems for sanitation and cleaning in the food industry are crucial for reducing contamination risks. Companies like Ecolab and ICE Cobotics develop automated cleaning solutions for food processing environments. Ecolab's Marketguard 12 is a robotic floor scrubber that can clean up to 3,900 square metres per hour, significantly outperforming manual cleaning. ICE Cobotics' Intelligent Cleaning Equipment uses AI to optimise cleaning routes and track performance.
These robots ensure consistent cleaning standards, reduce water and chemical usage, and allow human workers to focus on more complex tasks. They're particularly valuable in maintaining cleanliness in hard-to-reach areas and during off-hours, enhancing overall food safety.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Food Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024
Food Digital is a BizClik brand