Australia-based consultant Tim Smallwood FFCSI looks at the future of automation and robotics in the kitchen
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hen we discuss automation and robotics, we’re talking about their relevance for the
manufacturing industries, aren’t we? Not necessarily. It depends on what you mean by the words. ‘Automation’ typically refers to technology applications where human input is minimized (IBM). ‘Robotics’ refers to the use of machines to perform tasks done traditionally by humans (Britannica) usually to replace tasks referred to as the four D’s: dirty, dangerous, dear (expensive) and dull (or demeaning). By these definitions, they are
both already being applied in the foodservice industry. The introduction and application has