By Paul Richards, partner sales manager, FANUC UK
THERE are multiple drivers for automating food production lines. Whether helping to plug labour shortages, taking over dull, dirty or dangerous manual tasks, or boosting productivity, food manufacturers have much to gain from automation. And despite being late to the party compared to other industries such as automotive, robot installations in UK food and beverage facilities are now rising in number. According to the latest IFR World Robotics report, the sector saw 553 robot installations in 2023 (up from 327 in 2022 and 198 in 2021), bringing the total to 1,936.
These figures include collaborative robots (cobots), which are currently enjoying a boost in popularity. More portable, flexible, space saving and easier to programme than their industrial robot counterparts, cobots by their very nature are also designed to work alongside humans, making them ideal for busy food production environments.
But not every cobot is made equal and hygiene must be of paramount importance when selecting any piece of equipment for food production. The wide range of cobot models on the market can be overwhelming for food producers to navigate, however; so how can manufacturers ensure that the model they select is fit for purpose but also suitable for the demanding hygiene requirements of food factories?
Here are five key considerations that every end-user should discuss with their cobot supplier before making any purchase…
- Product handling requirements
First, consider where in the process your cobot will be installed. Does it need to fit into a primary processing or packaging line; for example, for handling raw meat or fresh bakery items? Or is it required for secondary packaging, such as placing frozen food in trays?
It it’s the former, then a specialist food grade cobot with IP67 rating, such as the food option in FANUC’s CRX range, is essential. If it’s the latter, then a standard (ie non- food grade) cobot may well be suitable. Make sure to discuss your product handling requirements with your cobot supplier in detail, to ensure you don’t end up over-specifying your equipment (and paying more as a result).
- Production environment
Not every food production environment is the same and hygiene requirements will vary from factory to factory. A bakery will have different washdown needs to a facility handling raw meat, for example. For bakeries, a simple wipe down of key equipment between shifts might be enough to meet hygiene standards, whereas for raw meat handling, disinfection and high-pressure washdown will be needed.
In addition, multi-purpose lines with frequent product changeovers may well require more intense washdowns to prevent cross-contamination of allergens. Think carefully about the environment your cobot will be working in and discuss these specific hygiene requirements with your supplier to ensure it will be right for your facility.
- Cabling
External cables are a trap point for bacteria and can require complicated cleaning and sterilising methods, so check how your cobot’s cables are housed before making a purchase. All the cables in FANUC’s CRX range run through the cobot arm, meaning they are internally (rather than externally) housed, thereby removing a key hygiene hazard.
- Coating
When paint is subject to harsh washdown environments, it can start to flake, causing a potential contamination issue for food production sites. To eliminate this risk, ensure your cobot is coated with chemical resistant paint. FANUC’s CRX food grade range is epoxy-coated, meaning it can withstand the most demanding of washdown requirements. It’s also worth thinking about what chemicals you use in your washdown processes. We offer our customers a chemical dip test prior to purchase, to ensure the cobot’s suitability for their particular washdown needs.
- Rusting
Finally, flanges and other small metal parts can be prone to rusting, making them unsuitable for food environments due to the risk of contamination. Check with your cobot supplier that any metal parts are made with a rust-resistant material, such as stainless steel, and that they are IP67-rated, to prevent any ingress of liquid and dust.
A full and frank discussion with your cobot supplier around your particular facility’s requirements will ensure you get the right cobot for your needs – future-proofing your food factory without exposing it to any unnecessary hygiene risks.
