Numerous industries throughout the world—aerospace, automotive, construction and manufacturing, to name just a few—already rely on robots to produce goods more accurately, quickly and cost-effectively than their human counterparts. Such attributes and others are sure to continue driving sales of robots in these industries, as well as advance their use by other manufacturers, including food, in the coming years.
“The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports that 178,132 industrial robots were sold worldwide in 2013, of which 6,200 were destined for the food and beverage industry,” says Eric Aasen, product manager, Bosch Packaging Technology, New Richmond, WI. “We expect to see increased growth in automation within small and medium-sized companies throughout 2016 and beyond.”