companies to see first-hand the benefits that automation can bring to a business.” Cobots are able to work safely in the same
workspace as humans due to their inbuilt safety-functions for motion, speed, force, and power monitoring, that will cause the cobot to automatically stop if a certain level of power or force is detected. As long as a risk assessment is properly conducted traditional guards and protective devices should not be needed.
Flexible and adaptive Discussing how cobot technology could transform the use of robotics in confectionery production applications, Mark Gray, UK & Ireland Country Manager at Universal Robots says: “Cobots can provide a more flexible and adaptive approach to automation. Deployed throughout the food and beverage supply chain, and across a wide range of processes such as palletising or packaging, they can work around the clock without the need for any breaks.” Unlike traditional industrial robots,
cobots have been specially designed to work alongside human operators in a collaborative manner, taking on repetitive, dull, dirty or dangerous tasks. However, cobots are also compatible with traditional industrial robots and can be quickly integrated into existing production lines. “By automating elements of the production
The integration of del-
ta-style robots into second- ary packaging processes can lead to efficiency gains.
line, we are freeing up the humans to focus on more creative and complex tasks. Not only does this improve productivity, but it also helps to combat ongoing labour shortages, which are a major concern for many confectionery manufacturers today,” continues Mark. “Not only can cobots help the confectionery industry adapt to changing habits, they can also help maintain hygiene standards throughout production lines – handling products in a sanitary manner and without error.” In addition to undertaking activities on the production line, cobots can also take on end-of-line duties. “Robotic palletisers now play a crucial role in the confectionery industry by automating the process of stacking and palletising products,” says Mark. Traditionally palletisation has been a manual operation – and in many cases it still is. Worker’s bend, lift and twist for hours on end, which can cause long term musculoskeletal damage. The repetitive nature of the job can also place excessive strain and fatigue on the cardiovascular system due to the demands placed on working muscles, offering little time for recovery.
KennedysConfection.com Kennedy’s Confection February 2024 25
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