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Robotic conversation. Taking part in FoodManufacture.co.uk’s video debate – Robotics in the food industry: the opportunity up for grabs – at Foodex 2012 were: Alan Spreckley, (left) channel partner manager with robotics supplier ABB Robotics, and Mike Wilson (centre), director of the Automation and Advisory Association.
Robotic sales rose by 68% over the past year, according to the latest statistics from the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA). Wilson, who is also chair of BARA, said that most sectors experienced increases with average growth of nearly 70% year-on-year.
But uptake by the food and drink sector fell by 8% last year.
Spreckley said some firms were put off by the high-tech image of robots and perceptions of high cost. But once food and drink firms realised the cost savings and hygiene benefits associated with robots, they became much more interested in the technology.
The automotive and automotive components sectors topped the robotic sales table – boosting purchases by 235% and 176% respectively.
Asking the questions was FoodManufacture.co.uk’s Mike Stones.
Watch out for two videos filmed during this debate soon to be published on FoodManufacture.co.uk.