Cobots, or collaborative robots, are designed to assist human workers with repetitive manual tasks. Each cobot is programmed to carry out a specific task, unique to the role it’s required to fulfil. For food wholesalers looking to develop their factory automation, cobots may just be the answer they need. We take a look at how robots can be used to streamline and improve efficiency in the food production industry.
Increasing production With a Cobot
In the food production industry, work is usually carried out on a mass scale. For example, seven million bags of crisps are created in the Walkers factory every single day. Without the right processes and technologies in place, production plants simply would not be able to fulfil the volumes of the product in demand to the highest of standards. Cobots can carry out their tasks tirelessly and without fault, reducing the risk of error or tiring out. If that doesn’t impress you, they also work 24/7, 365 days a year.
Health and safety
Often, the environment in which food production plants operate can be unpleasant or dangerous for factory workers, whether that’s due to extremely hot or cold environments, or being around hazardous materials. Using cobots where possible to take on their tasks in these environments will free up the workers to utilise their skills elsewhere. The machines themselves are optimised for safety so they can work collaboratively side-by-side with factory workers. Furthermore, the risk of strains and injuries while carrying out repetitive labour is reduced through the aid of cobot automation.
Reduce waste
When eliminating human error, you also reduce the amount of waste your business has to deal with. For example, if your factory workers are required to handle delicate items, such as eggs, in large volumes, mistakes are bound to occur. With a robot onboard, they can handle mass volumes without error in a short timescale.
Hygienic
Cobots are designed to accumulate as little dust and debris as possible and are easily wiped down. This means that they adhere to the necessary standards in order to fit into the food production environment without posing a risk of contamination.
