When it comes to using robotic equipment, U.S. bakers and snack producers still lag behind manufacturers in other industries, as well as their counterparts in other countries. Cost, return on investment (ROI) and a reluctance to deviate from traditional manufacturing practices are just a few reasons why many American bakers and snack producers seems to be hesitant about investing in robotic equipment.
“With some exceptions, [the adoption rate of robotic equipment in the bakery and snack industry] is well behind that of most other industries,” echoes Rick Hoskins, director of sales and marketing, Colborne Foodbotics, L.L.C., Lake Forest, Ill. Colborne offers automated systems for food processing and packaging. “The baking industry started installing some robotic systems during the 1990s and had some bad experiences caused by early-generation robots and controls. Colborne started promoting robotic systems in 2001 and has had to work hard to convince baking and snack customers to accept this new, improved technology,” he says.