Food Automation: Processing and Packaging Becomes Highly Automated

The way our food is prepared, processed and packaged has become a highly automated process. In recent years, robotic and automation equipment has steadily found its way into most food processing and packaging facilities, and this trend is expected to continue over the next few years.

According to BCC Research, the food processing and packaging market will be valued around $31.5 billion by 2020, growing at a 4.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Separately, the food processing market and the food packaging market will be worth $14.2 billion and $17.3 billion in 2020, respectively.

This steady growth marks an important shift in the way food processing and packaging plants operate, requiring new equipment and new investments as well as highly trained employees.

How Prevalent is Food Automation in Processing and Packaging?

According to a survey from the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, 94% of food packaging operations are using robotics already. As for food processing, approximately a third of companies are using robotics.

Robotic automation is already deployed in high volumes in the food processing and packaging industry, but the survey also revealed that half of companies in this industry plan to increase automation levels in the next three to five years.

This increase in automation will be accompanied by the hiring of new employees with more technical skills and higher spending on capital equipment.

What Effect is Food Automation Having in the Processing and Packaging Industry?

Robotic automation capabilities have expanded in recent years. Industrial robots have become more flexible and more efficient with better programming and better sensors. This increase in robotic capabilities, along with the increase in overall automation levels, is allowing processing and packaging plants to introduce new products on the same assembly lines.

In fact, four out of five packaging and processing plants already deal with more than 100 product types, with a majority expecting that number to increase in the next few years.

Food automation has had a big impact in the processing and packaging industry, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. But it’s still just one example of robotic automation transforming and improving the production capabilities of an entire industry.

Robot Simulation Software: The Value for Manufacturers

Robot simulation software is making robotic automation a viable option for nearly any manufacturer. It's used during the quoting and concept stage to provide proof of design, proof of process and to maximize a robot user's automation investment.

There are many reasons most robotic system integrators use some form of robot simultion software in their integration projects. But what are the benefits to manufacturers? Why should a manufacturer be interested in robot simulation software?

The Importance of Robot Simulation Software

Simply put, robot simulation software minimizes the risks associated with automation. Much of the integration process is completed before anything is assembled on your factory floor. A proper simulation helps ensure you’re receiving the best system for your application.

Computing capability is constantly improving, as well as becoming cheaper, making robot simulation more and more important to finding a system that will help you stay competitive in your industry.

3 Benefits of Robot Simulation Software

A manufacturer benefits in many ways from advanced robot simulation software. However, there are three main ways a manufacturer directly and immediately benefits:

1. Proof of Design

Often times, robotic systems are not one-size-fits-all. Robot simulation software helps fine tune and customize robotic design to ensure the system will fit seamlessly with existing production processes and equipment. If loading or unloading your automation system creates bottlenecks, it defeats the entire purpose of automation.

2. Proof of Process

Robot simulation software can prove the effectiveness of an automation system. With accurate, detailed simulation you can be sure a robotic system will meet your cycle time and efficiency goals.  Without this simulation, you're taking a big risk that the proposed system will operate correctly for your application.

3. Maximize Your Investment

Once a simulation is complete, the end result is typically downloadable software programming for your robotic application – so the real system will match the simulation exactly. Robot simulation software ensures potential flaws aren’t designed into the system and your robotic system functions precisely as anticipated. You maximize the return on your investment when you get the best possible automation system.

There are many other benefits to leveraging a system integrator with advanced robot simulation software, but the three mentioned above are some of the most important for protecting your investment and finding the highest levels of productivity.

Robots in Retail Stores are Making a Big Impact

Robots are making their way into the retail market and they're making a big splash. Their entrance into this arena marks an important era of retail defined by cost-cutting and competitiveness.

Amazon has been a major disruptor in the retail space, to say the least. And it's no secret their warehouses are full of robots increasing the speed and efficiency of their logistics operations – a key part of their ability to be so disruptive.

The use of robots – even industrial robotic arms – in the retail industry highlights their willingness to invest in automation to remain relevant and competitive in today’s fight for foot traffic, lower prices and better profit margins.

How are Robots in Retail Stores Being Used?

Robots in retail stores are typically used for customer service or logistics-related tasks, improving a customer’s in-store experience and/or improving a company’s operational efficiency.

Typical applications in use today include:

• In-store service robots to provide directions and product information to customers.
• Inventory robots track shelving stock and even grab objects for customers.
• Delivery robots bring the store to the customer autonomously.

Retail robots are relatively new and still in their early stages, but as competition heats up you can expect robots to become more and more prevalent in retail stores.

Real World Examples of Retail Robots

Walmart recently introduced shelf-scanning robots in 50 locations around the U.S. The robots check inventory, prices and misplaced items to help each individual store’s inventory practices. Additionally, these robots will be collecting data – data that Walmart claims will help them improve inventory practices across the nation.

Another great example is Best Buy’s Chloe robot, which was first tested in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York. The robot looks exactly like an industrial robotic arm and moves on a chassis to pick out the products that customers want.

These are just two examples of robots finding their way into retail, but they’re examples of what will likely be some of the most common robotic retail applications in the years to come.

While retail is relatively new industry for robotics, these developing technologies represent the industry’s desire to compete with Amazon and thrive in the generally declining retail marketplace. Like many industrial companies, retailers are hoping robotic automation will have a major impact on productivity and profit margins.