How cobots are changing the game for food manufacturers
Author : By Richard Mawson, Sales Manager UK & Ireland, OnRobot
23 January 2020
The UK manufacturing sector appears to be in a slump. Traditionally, one of the subsectors lagging behind in terms of automation was food manufacturing. However, this field is now going through some interesting changes.
Last June, pre-Brexit stockpiling and a weakened demand had caused production to drop at the fastest pace since October 2012, with headline PMI index at its lowest level since February 2013. A recent statement by MP’s also pointed out that the UK’s slow robotic adoption, coupled with the skills shortage, may be preventing this industry from flourishing to its full potential.
Traditionally, one of the subsectors lagging behind in terms of automation was food manufacturing. However, this field is now going through some interesting changes. A recent ING report showed that robotic applications in food production have increased by 50% over the past five years. Moreover, NFU’s Future of Food 2040 report predicted that, in that timeframe, robotics will become a key part of the British farming landscape.
The deployment of robots in food manufacturing historically presented significant challenges. Frail objects like vegetables, and even their fine packaging, could easily be gripped too harshly by a robot causing it to break. However, modern end-effectors such as smart grippers enable robots are changing the game: these tools are ideal for delicate goods such as foods and beverages, as they can detect item type and size and can therefore adjust their grip accordingly and handle it gently without damaging it. The shortage of specialised operators and the price of the equipment itself also been an obstacle for many emerging companies. However, many new-generation tools such as robotic arms and cobots are more affordable and come with in-built features which enable simpler set-up without expertise, making robotic automation a more viable option.
Let’s take a look at what other factors are enticing food manufacturers to finally embrace automation and what benefits these innovations are bringing.
Flexibility is key
For businesses that produce a variety of different foods within one manufacturing line, investing in a machine which can only perform one task can feel like a restrictive choice. For these manufacturers, robotic solutions must have a certain degree of adaptability in order to make sense. For example, cobots can be fitted with a wide range of end effectors, thereby exponentially increasing efficiency and flexibility. By deploying smart tool changers, the cobot is able to alternate between different peripheral tools, switching to the suitable gripper or sensor based on what function it’s required to perform or what product it’s handling. Thanks to these instruments, robotic automation can be a sensible investment even for food companies with diverse production lines or highly seasonal equipment.
Minimising the human touch
One of the benefits of robotic applications in food manufacturing operations is the reduction in human labour. Robots can be deployed in situations which would be uncomfortable, challenging and potentially harmful for humans: think of working in extremely hot or cold environments, or at dangerous heights, or simply lifting heavy containers. Utilising robots to work on foods and beverages also reduces the risk of contamination from any germs or bacteria carried by humans. Finally, by employing robots that can work extended periods of time, or even 24 hours a day, seven days out of seven, businesses can immensely increase factory productivity, without requiring staff to work longer hours and impacting their wellbeing and work-life balance. All of these different measures not only contribute to improving the quality of the goods produced but facilitate compliance with health and safety regulations.
The Rosborg story
Robotic equipment is being increasingly used in factories enabling, for example, 3D printing of food products, packaging and palletising goods as well as facilitating quality control. An interesting application, however, is the example of Denmark's largest producer of herbs and mini plants, Rosborg Food Holding. In 2018, the business implemented innovative end-of-arm tools to automate and streamline its processes and operations. Smart sensitive grippers are able to pick herbs without damaging them, as well as packaging them quickly and precisely. These instruments allowed Rosborg to move from old-fashioned greenhouse to innovative business, increasing its efficiency and doubling its productivity at peak times of the year. By deploying cobots coupled with the appropriate end-effectors, Rosborg was also able to cut down costs related to overtime and temp staff.
If the future of the global and British manufacturing industry is strictly linked with robotic automation, recent discoveries prove that the food production sector is no exception. Avant-garde technologies like sensitive grippers and tool changers are helping food manufacturers overcome the barriers to deploying robots in their production lines to improve efficiency, drive flexibility and enhance safety for workers and consumers – without compromising quality. It’s time for businesses who are yet to implement cobots and smart end-effectors to explore this untapped goldmine and gain competitive advantage.
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