Are food manufacturers ready for fully automated production lines and can robots be the solution to making this a reality? Chris Froud, partner and patent attorney specialising in robotics and automation at European Intellectual Property Firm Withers...
In this companion piece to this month's robotics and automation feature, Luke Jackson – director at law firm Walker Morris specialising in technology, food and beverage and manufacturing – discusses the legal implications of robots in the factory....
Robots have become more and more prevalent in the food factory, but there are still businesses reluctant to fully embrace automation into their production. Here, we explore the driving force behind robotics adoption and the key issues that could help...
UK manufacturers are lagging behind the global average when it comes to adopting robotics technology, according to a new report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Robotics and automation provider OAL has won £900,000 of funding for its robotic ingredients handling project, in partnership with the University of Lincoln and condiments manufacturer English Provender Company (EPC).
Food and drink manufacturers in the UK have been urged to invest in robots and automation in their operations as labour costs continue to rise, robots become easier to use and their cost falls.
With the government pledging an additional investment of £2bn a year by 2020 for UK research and development – including a special fund for priority technologies, such as robotics – the food and drink sector will need to ensure that industrial applications...
Personalised confectioner Boomf has installed a robot-controlled ultrasonic cutter at its factory in Reading to keep up with demand for its range of marshmallows.
A collaborative robot, or ‘cobot’, designed for working safely with shopfloor staff, challenged to work alongside a caged cell containing a conventional robot, will be the centrepiece of Fanuc’s stand at the show.
The Haacht Brewery in Boortmeerbeek, said to be Belgium's third largest brewery, has revealed it has been using Fanuc industrial robots for around six years to process, fill and palletise the heavy beer kegs it handles, following a decision made...
An expanded range of processing and packaging automation equipment and ancillary products will be displayed R A Rodriguez. The equipment on show will include the full range of Universal Robots.
Robotics suppliers have made a strong case for food industry acceptance with a new generation of hygiene and washdown-compliant pick-and-place systems, but the jury is still out as to whether this will translate into new sales.
Pacepacker Services will show six different pick-and place systems, demonstrating the three main technologies - robotic (articulated arm, delta and Cartesian), electro/pneumatic Cartesian and bespoke styles - and will highlight innovative ways to handle...
More jobs are already being created by increasing demand for robots in the food industry, according to packing equipment manufacturer Pacepacker Services.
Precise and consistent cake decoration using robots is now possible, thanks to a development by Quasar Automation and its technology partners Scorpion Vision and Mitsubishi Electric.
Sales of food and drink manufacturing robots slumped in the second quarter of this year – down 65% – compared with the previous quarter, in contrast to buoyant sales in general manufacturing.
In response to the UK's increasing investment in automation, Danish automation company Universal Robots has added a fourth UK distributor to its network: Kent-based Geku Automation.
Ultrasonic technology uses the high frequency oscillation of the Sonotrode (cutting blade) to pass through product quickly and cleanly. This process can portion soft, sticky and delicate products that are prone to damage by traditional cutting systems....
The distinct heritage feel to Edwin Holden's Bottling Company is deceptive as it recently invested in a Kawasaki Robotics palletising robot for its processing line.
Food and drink manufacturers in the Yorkshire and Humber region will benefit from a £1.4M project to improve the take-up of automation, organised by the Centre for Food Robotics and Automation.
Kraft Foods has increased the sustainability and efficiency of its Bournville site by installing robotic distribution for Roses and Heroes. Managing fixed cycling schedules cut daily vehicle movements.
Automation consultancy GB Innomech has launched a low-cost robotics concept it says will enable even low-volume manufacturers to cut costs and raise competitiveness.
Two new palletising robots, three palletising grippers and an easy-to-use programming software have been introduced by ABB Robotics to make palletising simpler, faster and more efficient.
In a joint project with Ulma Packaging, Kliklok is about to install its Celox end load cartoner at The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys factory in Witney, Oxfordshire.
Relatively simple and inexpensive robots could be the key for robot manufacturers looking to boost UK sales, according to a leading automation industry figure.
Justifying return on investment and retailer dominance are two of the biggest barriers to automation in food and drink manufacturing, with smaller firms in particular tied to short-term payback.
Fosters Bakery aims to boost morning goods production capacity by 50% by working with the Centre for Robotics and Automation (CenFRA) to improve the...
Northern Foods has pumped £7-8m into robotics and automation projects at its Fox's Biscuits factory in Batley and will invest more cash over the next year as part of a group-wide automation initiative.
As the economy is going down, sales of robots are rising. Lou Reade examines how automation can increase efficiency and help keep the food industry afloat
ABB Robotics will give the European premier of its second generation FlexPicker delta robot at Interpack in Dusseldorf in April.With increased speed,...
