AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS
significant process improvements, minimise the need for manual input whilst eliminating risk for operators is through the introduction of an Automated Core Temperature Probe System.” The traditional method for checking and
recording the core temperature of food products during production is entirely manual. An operator is required to remove a product from the line, manually insert a temperature probe and wait for a pre-determined time before recording the temperature by hand. Any deviation by the operator from the required checking interval or defined procedure can result in not only inaccurate information but potentially serious health risks for the consumer. The introduction of an automated solution
here not only mitigates the ongoing difficulty in recruiting, training, and retaining manual operators but also eliminates the requirement for operators to calibrate and use their manual temperature probes correctly. The automated solution also means that operators are not reaching into a hot environment to select product for testing. One of the biggest benefits is an increase in productivity due to reduced waste. CME’s Ian Marks explains “By taking control of the process through the use of automation,
products can be removed from the line at pre- determined and selectable intervals, and from all areas of the line to evaluate any cross-band temperature variation. The automated process uses machine vision to ensure that the temperature probe will be inserted in the right position on the
be returned to the line or segregated as required.” The introduction of automation makes it possible
The UK’s Food &
Beverage Sector can benefit greatly from the introduction of automation in its many forms
product. The probe will also be inserted to the correct depth and for the correct time to provide accurate and reliable data, which can be used to monitor any trends in temperature variation and for traceability purposes. Product which has been tested can either
for companies to enhance the role of their existing operators. Training and upskilling operators to operate, manage and maintain automated solutions alleviates the boredom often associated with mundane repetitive manual tasks. Also, at a time when many individuals have taken a step back and looked closely at their work/life balance, their careers and the potential for more interesting roles, manufacturers who introduce automation and robotics can use that opportunity to foster greater loyalty amongst employees who can see the potential for progression. There is now a great opportunity for the UK’s food
and beverage sectors to build upon the positive steps taken in the last year or so and to fully embrace the potential that automation and robotics holds. Of course, investment is required, but aside from the financial payback which businesses seek, automation delivers predictable performance and output which is not at the mercy of fluctuating availability of a manual workforce.
CME
www.cme-ltd.com email:
CME@CME-ltd.com phone: +44 (0)1460 269500
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | APRIL 2022 39
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