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Why investing in robotics is delivering returns into the food industry
11 April 2023
Over the last few years, robotics has been a game-changer for the food industry. Advancements in technology and automation have led to the development of robots and robotics systems that can perform a wide range of tasks, from harvesting crops to packaging finished products. These robots are not only more efficient and accurate than humans, but they are also driving down production costs.
One of the primary benefits of using robots in the food industry is that they are incredibly precise. Whether it is picking and sorting fruits and vegetables or packaging finished products, robots can perform these tasks with unmatched precision. This precision results in fewer errors, less waste, and ultimately, increased productivity.
Take, for example, the use of robots in fruit and vegetable harvesting. Historically, this has been a labour-intensive process that requires a large number of workers to manually pick and sort produce. However, with the development of robotic harvesting systems, this process has become much more efficient. These robots can identify and pick only ripe produce, leaving the unripe fruit or vegetables to continue to grow. This not only results in higher yields but also ensures that the produce is of the highest quality.
In addition to harvesting, robots are also being used for food processing and packaging. These robots can perform tasks such as cutting, slicing, and dicing with incredible speed and accuracy. They can also handle delicate items such as cakes and pastries without damaging them, something that would be difficult for human workers to achieve consistently.
Another benefit of using robots in the food industry is that they can work around the clock. Unlike human workers who need breaks and rest periods, robots can work continuously without needing breaks. This means that production lines can operate 24/7, increasing productivity and reducing the time it takes to produce finished products.
Furthermore, robots do not require the same level of training and supervision as human workers. Training a new employee can be a time-consuming process that requires significant resources. With robots, however, the programming can be done once and then reused indefinitely. This means that companies can reduce their training costs and allocate resources to other areas of the business.
Robots can also help to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. In the food industry, there are many potential hazards, such as sharp knives, hot ovens, and slippery floors. By using robots to perform these tasks, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, resulting in lower insurance premiums and workers' compensation claims.
In addition to the benefits outlined above, robotics is also helping to reduce production costs in the food industry by increasing efficiency. Robots can perform tasks faster and more accurately than human workers, resulting in a higher output per hour. This increased efficiency leads to lower labour costs and a shorter production cycle, ultimately resulting in lower production costs.
For example, consider the use of robots in the packaging process. In the past, human workers would manually place items into boxes, a process that could be slow and prone to error. With the use of robots, however, the process can be automated, resulting in faster and more accurate packaging. This not only reduces labour costs but also reduces the time it takes to package finished products, resulting in a faster time to market.
Another way that robotics is driving down production costs is by reducing waste. Food waste is a significant problem in the food industry, with an estimated 30% of all food produced being wasted. However, with the use of robots, companies can reduce the amount of waste generated during production. Robots can accurately measure ingredients, ensuring that the correct amount is used every time. They can also identify and remove defective products, reducing the amount of waste that is produced.
Finally, robotics is helping to reduce production costs by increasing the speed at which products can be brought to market. With the use of robots, companies can reduce the time it takes to produce finished products, meaning they can react quickly to changing trends, and tastes, often dictated by the consumer. With such a diverse range of dietary, lifestyle and sometimes even medical dietary considerations, manufacturers need to be able to respond quickly, efficiently and safely.
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