New and updated tray handing equipment that performs automated or semi-automated loading of bakery and snack products into trays and baskets, as well as handles bakery trays, baskets, and other reusable distribution containers for finished products, has grown increasingly sophisticated.
The newest generation of tray handling equipment is growing more user-friendly, as well. Automated systems designed for tray handling, and the packing and loading of trays and racks for finished baked goods, are now easier to operate and control due to the implementation of machine learning. “The software works independently of the robot hardware to make programming as easy as operating a smartphone,” says Sean Riley, senior director, media and communications, PMMI, Reston, VA. “Robots have the capability to identify different products for picking, wrapping and stacking, allowing for the efficient creation of customized variety packs.”