Food Manufacturing

Robot wars: automation leaders and robot laggards

David Jahn, director at automation company Brillopak, believes that using terminology interchangeably, particularly robotics, AI and automation, is part of the reason why UK food factories have dodged making big investments, particularly at the end of line packaging and case loading lines. But with the EU labour crisis continuing to plague UK fresh produce houses, David says now is the time to get back to basics and review the entire productivity picture and how automation, not just robots, will align to and support long-term strategies.

8th October 2018

Augmented reality and the benefits for manufacturing companies

The first developments of augmented reality (AR) technology came in 1968, when computer scientist Ivan Sutherland created an AR head-mounted display that superimposed virtual information onto the physical environment. While AR is becoming increasingly popular in popular culture, how does the world of manufacturing keep up with the opportunities available to them? Here, Nick Boughton, digital lead at systems integrator Boulting Technology, examines how AR can be used across the manufacturing industry.

8th October 2018

What makes a corrosion-resistant bearing?

As the name suggests, corrosion-resistant bearings can be used in applications where corrodible materials wouldn't suffice - think food processing, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production and bearings for marine applications. But, what materials suffice? Chris Johnson, managing director of miniature bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains.

19th September 2018

Bin-picking using robots and 3D vision

For processors, one of the most promising industrial internet of things (IIoT) tools is the vision system. Combining a 3D camera with vision software and a robot arm enables facilities to automate bin picking with ease. We discussed this emerging technology with Nigel Smith, managing director of Toshiba Machine partner, TM Robotics.

29th August 2018

How to increase sustainability when specifying plastics

The war on plastic waste is arguably one of the biggest environmental battles of the 21st century. Here, Dr Simona Maccarrone, materials scientist at online materials database Matmatch, explains what new options suppliers are adopting to increase sustainability in the plastics market.

28th August 2018

Smart sensors enable motors to recognise when a service is due

Nearly all of the motor technology that we still use today was invented over a period of 70 years from 1820-1890, with the first commutated DC electric motor invented by British scientist William Sturgeon in 1833. Clearly, production processes - and the resultant demands on equipment - have changed since then, and there is a lot that modern businesses can do to keep pace with the latest technology. Here, Simone Wendler, food and beverage segment manager for ABB's motors and generators business, explains what to expect from a new generation of wireless motor sensor that offers powerful data collection and analytics in a small package.

31st July 2018

How to choose the optimum heat transfer fluid

Dr Chris Wright, head of research and development (R&D) at thermal fluid specialist, Global Heat Transfer gives his view on the main considerations when choosing a heat transfer fluid.

25th July 2018

Micro-dosing technology and process integration

Tony Brennan, Field Segment Manager Gas & Micro for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the technology involved in micro-dosing and how the latest developments can be integrated into existing equipment.

23rd July 2018

Using automation to improve process water quality

Greg Wainhouse, Field Segment Manager for Water at Bürkert, explains the importance of maintaining water quality and how automation can help raise standards while also improving efficiency.

20th June 2018