5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Food-Processing Robots
By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online
Robotic systems can provide significant benefits to a processing operation, but to guarantee that these systems are being used to their maximum potential, manufacturers should make several important considerations
With a steady stream of technological advancements and innovations, food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly implementing robotics to reap benefits such as reduced costs, increased food and worker safety, and boosted throughput. Although robotics can do wonders for a processing operation, implementation alone does not guarantee benefits. In order to get the most out of robotics systems, manufacturers should consider the following best practices.
Affix Robots With Appropriate Grippers
Grippers are not typically a one-size-fits-all consideration. The handling of different products can mean the need for a different type of gripper to ensure maximum efficiency. For example, meats may require a gripper that accounts for slippery and greasy surfaces, while cookies need a gripper that accommodates products that are rigid and susceptible to crumbling.
Be Aware Of Cross-Contamination
If there are multiple product types running on the same robotics systems, it is essential to ensure that cross-contamination does not occur. A product that contains nuts should not come into contact with the same robotics equipment used on a product that does not contain nuts without the equipment being properly cleaned.
Pair Robots For Pick-In-Place Operations
Using robots in pairs for pick-in-place operations allows the production line to continue in the event that one robot needs to be taken offline for maintenance. Relying on a single robot can lead to downtime that could have otherwise been avoided with proper planning. Additionally, a line that requires one robot to run at 100 percent capacity can have its production needs met by running two robots at 50 percent, which will increase the robots’ lifespan and reduce the instances of required maintenance.
Consider ROI For Packaging Applications
In many situations, the speed of the production line is not high enough to justify the implementation of a robotic-packaging application. Instead, it may be more cost-effective to use a manual or mechanical-packaging operation. If an operation deals with only a single product type, it may be more cost-effective to use a mechanical-packaging operation. However, in an operation that deals with multiple product types, using a robotics system may be the superior option. Generally, mechanical operations will be cheaper than robotic systems, but it is important to consider operational needs on an individual basis in order to make the best choice.
Use A “Safety-First” Approach When Handling Large Materials
When deciding on the specifications for large material handling robotic systems, manufacturers should make sure the operation is safe. Asking questions such as, “Could nearby laborers be hurt in the event a heavy load is mishandled and the likelihood of it occurring?” are important when deciding to implement robotics for handling large materials. Furthermore, when deciding on a robot that will handle heavy objects, including a safety factor will lower the chances of equipment damage and worker injury. For example, a robot should be capable of handling 1.5 times the maximum weight that it will ever be handling, guaranteeing that the system does not need to operate at maximum effort more often than is required.