Processors fear intellectual property theft via robotics
Intellectual property (IP) rights and slashing unit costs are top concerns for processors exploring robotics and automation, according to David Cheeseman, commercial director of the Centre for Food Robotics & Automation (CenFRA).
He was speaking at Food Manufacture's Robotics & Automation roundtable, sponsored by Pace Mechanical Handling and held at CenFRA’s headquarters in Doncaster last week.
“IP is a big issue,” said Cheeseman. “You want as much protection as you can.”
Food and drink processors were afraid that if their work with an equipment supplier was not exclusive, it could swiftly find its way into competitors’ hands, he said. One solution could be to license technology out to competitors, he added. “But licensing is difficult if you haven’t got a strong brand.”
Speaking during the debate, Nigel Hicks, engineering consultant at meat processor Vion Group, asked: “Why should you take the risk in being first?”
One engineer at another manufacturer said: “It’s a difficult area. We’ve developed a foil wrap system and it’s been a fantastic success, but unless you’re in there first with the IP application, you could open up a huge can of worms. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m at the next Process and Packaging Machinery Association show and see the same system on a different machine.”
On cost-cutting, Cheeseman continued: “People are seriously looking at how to reduce unit costs. You can either do that by making people work harder or by automating. Transferring to end-of-line palletising is something you can do straight away.
“Robotics and automation also have huge potential for eliminating waste. I know one customer that chucks away 40% of his raw materials. He’s making money, but he could be making a damn sight more.”
Cheeseman explained that more efficient checking at all stages in production would dramatically lessen expense by creating a more precise rejects system.
