Lubricants that are to be used in the food industry have very special formulations and are vigorously regulated. Such substances must be certified to NSF H1. An H1 NSF registration confirms that your product is suitable for use in applications where any incidental contact might occur between the lubricant and product. In this case, foodstuffs, during normal operations.
There are a plethora of applications and processes within the food industry that can be automated: handling, packaging, palletizing, stacking, mixing, measuring. In every area of application where hygiene is of the essence, food compatible lubricants are opening up new avenues for automation in food production.
Prevention of contamination in the food industry has always been of primary concern for manufacturers, as is the elimination of costly downtimes and recalls, associated with potential breaches. Though now as the UK and Ireland are challenged by reduced, skilled labour pools, the costs associated with sourcing, training and retaining skilled labour are just as significant. Low-cost, transient labour is a difficult dynamic to manage and now in many cases, investing in robot process automation is becoming commonplace owing to the many benefits that are being delivered.
The range of robot models that can be utilised is extensive, owing to the number of applications that exist within what is a very diverse and complex supply chain. From the very smallest of robot models and collaborative variants to heavier payload six axes machines, some of which have been produced so they can operate efficiently in some of the industry’s harshest environments. Not only are these robots themselves equipped with food-compatible lubricants in all axes, but their energy supply systems also conform to strict NSF H1 standards, as cable grease is also food suitable. This further eliminates any unintentional contact with foodstuffs during production posing a risk to humans.
Robots afford a level of repeatability, accuracy and reach that are not possible by human means. Processes within the food production sector are repetitive, that is clear. Demand for products dictates that high throughput, and the ability to switch effortlessly between changing product iterations, can be managed quickly and efficiently. A process that is compromised when a reliable and skilled workforce is in short supply, not to mention the added costs associated with cyclical training and retraining. Not only can faster cycle times be achieved with robotics, but operational efficiencies can be achieved and sustained.
It’s all about uncompromising hygienic handling that meets the increased safety standards of today’s food industry, beyond the generic pick and place applications of the past. Robot process automation is moving upstream into more complex areas such as processing, combining ingredients, or handling sensitive products such as raw foods.
So what are the key features of these robots, that can be used within food production that stands them aside from your everyday industrial robot?
- Corrosion-resistant surfaces without inaccessible corners
- Stainless steel parts
- Resistance to chemical cleaners
- External wires/cables encapsulated within robot base
- Food compatible lubricants
Robotic automation, as a process, can be further complemented through the introduction of robot peripheries, such as vision, end of arm tooling and linear tracks. Though as with any automation project, the case ‘for’ has to be substantiated. Automating for the sake of automating can in fact cost more in rectifying mistakes. Identifying where value can be added iskey.
There is no doubt that disruptive technologies shall continue to evolve, though as they do, manufacturers must realise the benefits that can be achieved. The food industry is fast-paced and dynamic, and by default, the applications that are being utilised in manufacturing should be too.
The HO variant, from KUKA covers a payload portfolio from 6to 240 kilograms and a reach portfolio from 900 to 3,200 millimetres – for use along the entire process chain. The bright, modern colour design of the portfolio in light grey makes it particularly easy to detect contamination on the robot. The main axes are protected to protection rating IP 65 against dust and water, the wrist axes to IP 67.
More information on KUKA can be found at www.kuka.com.