ROBOTICS


Line Managing Director Industries at ABB Robotics. In answer to this challenge ABB Robotics has introduced PickMaster Lite which allows robotic picking systems to be brought online faster, while maintaining the performance and flexibility required for high-speed applications.” A streamlined version of ABB Robotics’ PickMaster technology, PickMaster Lite delivers vision-guided picking, conveyor tracking, and motion control through a, task-based interface. Pre-configured templates and guided workflows remove the need for specialist programming expertise, which is said to reduce engineering effort by 30% and commissioning time by 25% in comparison to conventional pick-and-place software or PLC based. PickMaster Lite can also be integrated with ABB Robotics’ RobotStudio platform, to allow users to create digital twins, simulate layouts, and optimise robot paths prior to installation. PickMaster Lite has also been designed to integrate easily into existing machine control architectures, enabling seamless communication with PLC and HMI systems.


Overcoming barriers For confectionery manufacturers who are adopting robot automation for the first time, programming and operating


THE USE OF DIGITAL TWIN


SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS NOW ENABLES PRODUCT FLOW AND ROBOT MOVEMENT TO BE SIMULATED BEFORE ANY PHYSICAL EQUIPMENT IS INSTALLED


code and more like guiding a tool. Modern teach pendants used with collaborative robots (cobots) often feature visual, drag- and-drop interfaces and guided hand movements to allow operators with no programming knowledge to quickly and easily set up or adjust the cobot’s tasks. “Meanwhile, for more experienced robot


these systems can prove to be a barrier. According to Samantha Mou, Senior Market Analyst at research organisation, Interact Analysis, robot suppliers are now addressing this issue through the use of hand-guided teaching and low-code/no- code interfaces. Traditionally, robots relied heavily on


pre-programmed routines. In contrast, many of


today’s systems incorporate


machine learning capabilities that allow them to adapt to changing conditions. Programming is now less like writing


adopters, hygiene compliance and cost remain a major challenge,” said Samantha. Robots handling food need to meet specific hygiene and IP standards, and end- of-arm tooling should always use food-safe materials, even if this increases investment and maintenance costs. “Manufacturers can manage this issue by evaluating the total cost of ownership of a solution, rather than looking at the upfront costs alone. For many, it is a good idea to adopt a phased deployment approach to build confidence in the return-on-investment before a full line rollout is considered,” she continued. Moving on to discuss the latest hardware


solutions that are being employed in robotics handling applications today to enable robots to handle delicate products with greater flexibility, Samantha pointed to the use of cobots. The addition of integrated torque and force sensors is allowing grip pressure to be adjusted in real time, reducing the risk of product damage. End-of-arm tools are also important and the use of soft grippers


JULY 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 21


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