Dotlock technology makes it possible to join several layers of cardboard packaging without the need for glue.
and torsion shaft. An electric cylinder with spindle in the extension of the conveyor belt means it can also be extended forwards and backwards. This combination means the system can position itself to drop eggs at any position into the pallet bin. The controller receives feedback from the weighing cells under the bin and the flow rate of the supply so that it can determine exactly where in the bin there is still room.
The positioning of the hoppers above the wide belt for mixing was also realised with electric axes. They allow the positions to be automatically adjusted to the number of flavours which need to be brought together in a given mix. The gripper on the robot that moves the pallet boxes was
KennedysConfection.com
equipped with a Festo electric cylinder with servo motor. All the servo motor controllers are housed in the electrical cabinet just outside the air-conditioned room. These communicate with the PLC that controls the installation. Combining different egg flavours as part of the packaging process therefore no longer requires the need of any manual handling.
Striking a balance
With continued advances in automation and AI being painted as the future, Ian Hart, business development director at adi Projects, highlighted the importance of not forgetting that human labour will continue to play a vital role. “There is no doubt
that there are benefits to integrating new technologies. Automation and AI can take away the burden of unappealing repetitive tasks and improve efficiency in a variety of ways, but human beings cannot be completely replaced,” he says. Automated data collection has long been seen as a significant asset, and new tools are continually being developed. Having the ability to more easily identify potential issues, process ingredients and products, make predictions and meet specifications, makes it easier to cope with increases in demand. In environments like confectionery production plants, where maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene is paramount, automated material handling can play a significant role in elevating these standards. With humans being the source of contamination, reducing the amount of people coming into contact with ingredients and products can have a positive impact. “However, AI lacks the emotional and creative intelligence that humans possess, as well as the ability to predict and handle unexpected situations – essentially the quality of adaptability, and the ability to act in a reactive manner,” says Ian. “Whether dealing with changes in production processes or troubleshooting problems, automated systems use pre- programmed algorithms that would not be able to automatically respond to new circumstances. “So, while AI can analyse data and make suggestions, creating new recipes, flavours, and food products involves creativity and innovation that should remain exclusive to humans.” “Humans are also instrumental in ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations, making real-time decisions based on intuition and experience to maintain the highest levels of food safety,” continues Ian. “Automated systems can be entrusted with quality control processes thanks to tools that can monitor production lines for potential defects or errors; however, trained individuals should also be available to intervene in the case of issues presenting themselves that need to be resolved with appropriate judgment calls. Ultimately, AI still needs the aid of human experience and feedback to be able to work effectively.”
Kennedy’s Confection July 2024 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
