One of the manufacturing sectors that makes extensive use of modern technological solutions in the field of automation and robotization is the food industry. The creation of individually designed systems is particularly important in this sector and can be more difficult than in other industries due to strict legal standards. All tools and machines used must meet strict hygiene requirements and be approved for contact with food. Materials must also not react with individual ingredients. We present what automation in the food industry should look like and what it can offer.
New technologies in the food industry
Automation in the food industry affects virtually every aspect of processing and production. As in other industries, it primarily concerns the most repetitive tasks and those that pose a potential risk to employees.
The first area where automation is used in the food industry is internal transport. Conveyors, such as belt or strap conveyors, are suitable for transporting materials in a solid state. Pipelines are most often used for liquids. The nature of the specific product to be transported determines which solution is best.
The packaging process in the food industry is almost entirely automated. This applies to both individually packaged products and palletizing and labeling. The construction of customized machines, closely tailored to the specific nature of the products and the location, is very important because many food products can cause specific types of contamination. Bulk products generate a lot of dust, and fruits and vegetables can break into smaller pieces. For this reason, all technical solutions must be designed in such a way that dirt does not accumulate, e.g., in crevices, ensuring the highest level of hygiene.
In addition, the robotization of the food industry applies to dosing processes, where constant precision is also required and there is little margin for error. Furthermore, the design of a production line may include automated solutions in environments such as cold stores or workstations located near hot ovens.
The impact of technology on the food industry
In connection with all of the above aspects, several key areas can be identified in which the positive impact of technology on processing and production processes in the food industry is evident. These are:
- Increased precision and repeatability of operations,
- Replacement of humans in difficult working conditions,
- Ease of compliance with strict hygiene standards,
- Accelerated work,
- Reduced number of errors,
- More effective quality control,
- Less waste,
- More convenient coordination of activities on production lines,
- More effective use of available staff,
- The ability to perform various tasks at a single workstation – easy change of robot programs and access to a variety of work tips.
Automation and robotization in the food industry from TASKO Inc.
When you decide to work with TASKO Inc., you can be sure that automation in the food industry for your company will be carried out in accordance with your individual needs. We listen to our customers’ expectations, thoroughly familiarize ourselves with the specifics of their work, and propose solutions prepared according to a specially created design. We provide support at every stage—from the first contact to the implementation and configuration of ready-made solutions in the company. The solutions we propose are created using the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, which enables in-depth market analysis and monitoring of production processes. Automation in the food industry can therefore involve much more than just the creation and implementation of machines for your company.