FEATURE Food & beverage
Phil Brown, Sales Director at Fortress Technology Europe, says AI-driven All-In-One systems could be the single solution that elevates food production and quality standards to a new level
P
revious approaches and models used to boost food production to meet the rising global demands are no longer able to keep pace. This has made it
even more imperative for food processors to explore innovative technology and tools that maximise space utilisation, minimise waste, enhance productivity and optimise costs. Over the next 20 years, the world’s population is predicted to reach almost 10 billion people. The world now consumes three times more food than it did in the 1960s. Accessibility is an added challenge, with one in seven people globally unable to access Research analysed by the World Resources Institute points towards two major solutions; increasing food production without expanding land and facilities, and taking action to reduce food loss and waste. sustainable manufacturing practices that boost food safety will be imperative. He said: implement new techniques to minimise our impact while simultaneously maximising food When approaching the needs of our future food supply chain, simply increasing food production without ensuring that food is safe for consumption would be counter-intuitive, wasteful and pose a risk to the health and safety of consumers. For food manufacturers, physical space restraints, cost production challenges and sustainability agreements also need to be factored in when expanding production yields. “New productivity levels are not attainable without innovative equipment solutions. The
IS ALL-IN-ONE THE FUTURE?
future of food production relies on smart inspection equipment that strengthens food safety, reduces good product waste and doesn’t require a dramatic increase in factory Metal detection, X-ray, vision inspection and checkweighing are four inspection technologies that are revolutionising how the food industry approaches production and regulatory compliance.
Although it is commonplace to see two of these technologies in combination inspection Fortress Technology eventually anticipates wider adoption and integration of all four in food production environments, particularly at the end of the HACCP packaging lines. “An ‘All-In-One’ system could help to supply chain demands. All while supporting noted Brown.
IS ALL-IN-ONE THE FUTURE?
For example, vision inspection could help to improve X-ray technology by providing a visual context to the pack being inspected. Vision systems could also enhance checkweigher performance by reading weight labels and provide physical information about pack separation. Likewise, metal detection and X-ray can work in tandem to inspect for all types of physical contaminants. Where an X-ray can only detect higher density metals, ‘spherical’ metal contaminants. Potentially, these All-In-One inspection systems could also collect data on each inspected pack, including details on weight, size, visual integrity, contaminant detection results and adherence to quality standards. When compared to purchasing multiple, individual inspection systems, the faster ROI, smaller footprint and operational savings of a single inspection unit can be equally technical support coming from one supplier, training and operating the equipment becomes easier and safer when there is only one user interface. Other cost savings are gained from faster installation, reduced training time and than having four individual machines and conveyors on the line, an All-In-One end of line inspection system could potentially take up around one third of the physical machine
Machine footprint can be reduced using an All-In-One end of line inspection system
34 April 2025 | Automation
Fortress Technology
www.fortresstechnology.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
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