More bakers and snack producers are using robotic equipment to pick, pack and palletize their ever-growing product offerings. Equipment manufacturers are, therefore, developing robots with higher speeds, simpler interfaces, better sanitation and enhanced robotic vision for these customers.
Equipment sanitation and unified controls are two key initiatives in the development of robotic equipment for the bakery and snack food industries, according to Dean Elkins, senior general manager, Yaskawa America Inc., Motoman Robotics Division, Miamisburg, OH. “Food-processing companies are striving to be compliant with food-safety standards,” he says. “In response, robots are being manufactured to utilize food-grade grease to minimize potential food contamination.