Top ways robotics & automation are dominating the food industry
Technology has come a long way across all industries, but there has been a particular surge in the food sector. This is likely because it’s an industry that is always in high demand, everyone needs food and with the population having grown so much there is pressure on businesses working in this area to keep up with the speed of production needed whilst maintaining the highest possible health and safety and efficiency standards too. As a result, robotics and automation have become invaluable and will likely continue to revolutionise how food is processed far into the future.
Robotics and automation in the food industry
Over the past few years in particular, there has been a big increase in consumers having a stronger interest in where their food comes from and taking a healthier and more sustainable attitude towards food. This has meant food processors have been required to evolve and become more efficient, not just in what food they are manufacturing but how they are manufacturing it. The transition from unhealthy tinned food to longer lasting shelf products has resulted in significant changes in food production, equipment, and processing.
In the past, strict and complicated requirements in the food industry have slowed down innovation and the implementation of automation and robotics. However, in today’s world of soaring costs for materials and the ongoing pressure from consumers and retailers, using food robotics automation has become a more convincing prospect for increasing throughput and profitability.
The ability to switch out lines quickly and easily for different food items is invaluable to the efficiency of the overall system. Also, a smooth automation process can make the speed of production better and avoid the dilemma of worker absences as robots don’t need a day off.
Customer attitudes, trends, and demands when it comes to food are always adapting and as such businesses in that sector have had to change their equipment or buy new, more advanced machinery in order to keep up.
Automation takes away that stress and hassle as robotics can almost always be altered to meet and exceed expectations. Taking all these factors into account, it’s clear to see why robotics and automation are used so heavily in the food and beverage industry and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.
What is the future of robotics and automation in the food industry?
The thoughts and opinions of robotics and automation in the food industry are increasingly positive according to recent studies and surveys. Nearly one third of food manufacturing businesses and 94% of packaging operations currently utilise these technologies in their workplaces and say that they will continue to do so moving forward. Also, half of the businesses that were interviewed intend to increase their spending on advanced equipment and further implement automation into their systems over the next few years.
Therefore, it is likely that advancements of artificial intelligence and automation will continue to improve processing and packaging in the future. The direction of the industry is moving towards how robotics and automation can be better interlinked with the aim of improving efficiency throughout processes as a whole rather than just parts of it.
If the industry continues on this trajectory of becoming more automated and having better access to information in real-time, this will be a vital force behind streamlining the factories of the future.
How can FESS help?
Our team of engineers and consultants have extensive experience in helping companies in the food industry become more efficient, cost-effective, and safer in their processes. Industrial robotics and automation have often been costly and complicated, best suited to high-volume industries like automotive manufacturing. However, a new category of affordable industrial robotics is making automation more accessible for SMEs and FESS are here to help bring it to your business.
Low-cost robotic solutions can help food SMEs with things like tackling production line issues, allowing for flexible capacity and throughput, enabling them to meet customer demand, and giving employees the opportunity to develop more valuable skills. Contact us today to discuss your needs and request a free site survey to see how our services can benefit you.