PACKAGING


Unlocking flexible production


Matthew Dale finds out how vision is enabling smaller batch sizes to be processed on packaging lines


P


ackaging lines are working with smaller batch sizes, a trend that vision is both aiding and having to


respond to. At the same time, new vision technology such as hyperspectral imaging is finding its way onto packing lines, with UK-based automation specialist Brillopak, which has begun integrating the technology into robotic packing and palletising systems. Hyperspectral cameras can vary from


those covering distinct bands and giving extended colour information, to those


recording spectral data across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Te technique is able to detect minor blemishes and defects on food, for example, such as bruises on apples or burnt areas on cooked items. Brillopak intends to use hyperspectral


imaging between packing and case loading operations, where human workers have previously inspected food packs, rejecting any that don’t meet quality standards. Workforce fatigue and human error has meant that on fast packing lines, even visible defects, such as bruising and blemishes, can be missed. ‘Today’s hyperspectral vision systems are programmed to have a level of impartiality that human eyes just don’t have,’ said Brillopak director David Jahn. ‘With many end-of-line packing stations now automated and processing in excess of 100 packs of produce a minute, incorporating vision is becoming increasingly commonplace.’ Brillopak says that more automated


quality inspection will be used in packhouses that have previously relied heavily on EU migrant workers, but are now experiencing staffing pressures because of Brexit and the pandemic. Such pressures have been building, as the availability of labour has declined steadily since the 2016 Brexit vote, but now, with the pandemic, staff can no longer work in close contact with each other. Both factors have conspired to challenge packers, who often do not have the space to accommodate social distancing while maintaining production levels. For Brillopak, automating such quality inspection presents an obvious solution. To help minimise the risk of an out-of-


spec product heading out of the factory doors and onto retailers’ shelves, Brillopak has begun to integrate hyperspectral imaging as an option on its Unipaker robotic crate packing systems. Tis, and other vision technology, will improve the accuracy of how products are picked and presented to the packing robot at speed. ‘Using cameras we can find the centre


and orientation of products,’ said Jahn. ‘Tis information is conveyed to the robot, which accurately responds, adjusting its speed and position to pick up the pack, regardless of location on the conveyor. Te result is fewer line stoppages to address bottlenecks and better presentation in the retail crates.’ Brillopak incorporates vision for


appraising labels, packaging condition, print inspection, position detection with 2D and 3D imaging, and barcode and data code reading. Although still a relatively small adopter of hyperspectral technology, Brillopak expects food processing and agriculture to benefit significantly from advances in the imaging technique. ‘With food safety, quality assurance


Hyperspectral imaging can be used to check for blemishes on food packaging lines 22 IMAGING AND MACHINE VISION EUROPE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021


and food waste so high on the agenda, we anticipate that hyperspectral imaging


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Brillopak


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