Robotics in the Food and Beverage Industry

Food and beverage robots are no longer the realms of science fiction, but a staple part of the food processing and distribution industry.

Robotics and automation are used in almost all stages of the production cycle, from the collection of raw milk products on dairy farms to the packaging of tins for distribution to supermarkets. Automated, self-guiding, food delivery robots are even being successfully trialled in locations across the United Kingdom.

If you’re interested in learning more about robotics and automation in the food and beverage industry, we’re here to explain everything you need to know.

How Are Robots Used in the Food Industry?

Robotics used in the food industry are taking on increasingly diverse and complicated roles. They are used by farmers, processors, manufacturers, packagers and distributors to improve efficiency and lower food waste. Here are some of the key tasks that food and beverage robots undertake.

Food Processing and Packaging

Robots play an important role in food processing. You’ll find they’re used to process and prepare many of the staple foods and drinks you consume on a regular basis, including the automated milking of cows, cutting of meats, and slicing of fruits and vegetables. These processes often take place on farms or in industrial processing centres, but automation and robots are also used in kitchens and restaurants. Once processed, food and beverages can be packed and palletised using robots.

Food Sanitation

Food hygiene is integral to preparation processes, and automation helps to improve the level of cleanliness and sanitation during food prep. For example, automated production and processing lines ensure that humans don’t need to touch the food being processed, while robotic equipment can be quickly cleaned and sterilised to a high standard.

Food Delivery

The latest development in the use of robotics in the food and beverage industry is in the delivery stage. Technology and automation has allowed food delivery apps to cater to a surge in demand, while food delivery robots are currently being rolled out in the United Kingdom.

Types of Robots Used in the Food Industry

There are several key types of robots commonly used in the food and beverage industry. The most popular types of robots include:

• Articulated Robots: Includes robots with articulated joints and ‘robot arms’ that typically mimic the movements of humans.
• Cartesian Robots: Operate on three axes, a design which allows robots to move upwards, downwards and horizontally.
• SCARA Robots: Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arms (SCARA) operate on a Z-axis, typically in a fixed position, while mimicking the actions of a human arm.
• Delta Robots: Consists of three robotic arms designed to work in tandem together, often in picking and placing roles.

Why Are Robotics Used in the Food and Beverage Industry?

Robotics and automation in the food and beverage industry have brought countless benefits to production and distribution processes. There are many reasons why robots are now used across the industry, with the most important advantages being:

• Improves efficiency at all levels of the production process
• Enables bulk quantities of food and beverages to be quickly processed
• Enables bulk quantities of food and beverages to be quickly packaged and distributed
• Helps cut down on food and packaging costs
• Helps cut down on food and packaging waste
• Improves health and safety in the workplace
• Improves food and beverage hygiene

How Can Robots Help the Food and Beverage Industry?

Robots in the food industry help in numerous ways. Automation improves the efficiency of food processing and packaging procedures, ultimately saving money for farmers, food production companies, supermarkets and consumers.

Importantly, increased automation means that food can be moved from farm to fork before it perishes. Automation means that food can be stored in bulk for longer, using tinning and mass refrigeration processes, and it can be distributed quickly, giving it a longer expiry date on the supermarket shelf.

For human workers involved in the food supply chain, the use of automation reduces the need for them to carry out repetitive, menial tasks. Their time can be better spent elsewhere, there’s a reduced chance of workplace injuries, and automation even increases the need for skilled jobs.

Contact Cyber-Weld Today for More Information on Robotics in the Food and Beverage Industry

If you’d like to know more about robotics in the food and beverage industry, then our expert team of robotic engineers is ready to help.

Cyber-Weld provides a comprehensive range of robotic services, including an extensive array of bespoke food and beverage robots designed for industrial use.

Contact Cyber-Weld today to find out how we can help you.