FEATURE Food & beverage


As food and beverage automation continues to evolve, machine builders must consider not only robotics and control systems, but the motion infrastructure that supports them


Timothy Prinsloo from Rollon


is also critical...The hot-cold transitions are often where conventional systems struggle. Condensation accelerates corrosion and increases servicing needs. Motion systems that can operate reliably across wide temperature ranges, and through  environments.”


CLEANLINESS IN MOTION


Timothy Prinsloo, technical Sales Engineer at Rollon, explains how linear motion is driving a new era of food automation in challenging environments


F


ood and beverage manufacturers are accelerating automation to improve throughput, consistency, and resilience in response to


labour pressure and rising operational costs. However, in hygiene-critical environments, automation must do more than simply move faster. Equipment must operate reliably in the presence of moisture, temperature variation, aggressive cleaning regimes, and tight spatial constraints - all while maintaining consistent performance and minimising downtime. Linear motion systems are playing a critical enabling role. Sometimes overlooked compared to robots and vision  linear guides and actuators can determine whether an automated line delivers long- term value or becomes a maintenance burden.


Many of the challenges faced in food manufacturing are mirrored in food service and restaurant automation. In both environments, automation operates close to ingredients, within splash zones, and under frequent cleaning. Space is typically limited, uptime is non-negotiable, and equipment must be easy to clean and maintain. Timothy Prinsloo, Technical Sales Engineer at Rollon, explains that food service automation provides a useful proving ground for food manufacturing solutions. He said: “Restaurant automation highlights many of the same constraints we see in food processing - compact layouts, exposure to moisture and cleaning chemicals, and the need for consistent, repeatable motion over long operating hours. The engineering principles transfer directly.”


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Rollon’s experience across food manufacturing and food service automation shows that success depends on motion  hygiene-critical environments rather than adapted from general industrial use. Standard linear motion components designed for dry, controlled factory settings often struggle in food applications. Exposed rolling elements, lubricated rails, and open  and chemical exposure accelerate corrosion. Over time, this increases maintenance requirements and raises the risk of unplanned downtime.


Food automation places greater emphasis on enclosed or shielded designs, corrosion- resistant materials, and motion


Some of Rollon’s linear systems can be used in applications operating down to around –20°C in chilled storage and up to approximately 80°C in ambient or processing zones, supporting use across cold-chain logistics, processing, and packaging. Food service robotics provides a clear illustration  automation. In automated kitchen applications, robots are mounted on overhead linear systems, allowing a single robot to move between multiple  points.


This same approach translates directly into food manufacturing. In dairy processing, for example, long-travel linear systems can support  or palletising by allowing robots to service multiple stations along a line.


“Instead of installing several robots that sit idle between cycles, a single robot on a long-travel axis can move to where work is needed,” Prinsloo explained.


Rollon’s Speedy Rail is well-suited to such applications due to its lightweight, modular design and grease-free running concept. Polymer V-rollers run directly on a hard-anodised


t


systems that


actively shed


debris rather than accumulate it. Rollon’s food and beverage portfolio includes linear guides and actuators developed to address these challenges, including Compact Rail, Nadella AXNR circular system, enclosed actuators such as Plus System ELM, and long-travel linear solutions such as Speedy Rail (pictured above).


Motion systems suited to food automation typically combine several key characteristics: corrosion-resistant materials such as anodised aluminium or stainless steel, sealed or lifetime- lubricated rolling elements, and integrated wipers or sealing features to protect running surfaces.


Prinsloo continued: “Temperature resilience Automation | January 2026 21


 and supporting easier cleanability.


Beyond initial installation, lifecycle performance is a key consideration for food manufacturers. Motion systems designed for near maintenance- free operation help reduce downtime and operational burden.


Modularity also plays an important role. Supplied in manageable sections, long-travel linear systems can be installed in tight environments and extended later as production requirements evolve.  end users,” says Prinsloo. “You can scale or adapt systems without re-engineering the whole line, which is critical as food production requirements change.”


Rollon www.rollon.com


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