Automated dough production case study

The bakery industry is a fast paced industry where manufacturers are facing growing pressure to not only increase productivity and maintain a high level of quality but need to do this with a labour shortage.

This case study explores how Sunrise Pappad automated the repetitive task of transferring dough blanks onto a conveyor system. The company picked a linear robot to help with this task. All igus products are designed to be resistant to dust and easy to integrate into existing production lines, so this system was ideal. The automation system delivers reliable, FDA-compliant handling, reduces operating costs and improves process efficiency, allowing companies to grow without huge investment.

lca-gluing-and-dosing-application-sunrise-I

Requirements

The automation solution performs simple and frequently repeated tasks, such as placing dough blanks on a conveyor belt in this case. Compatibility with foodstuffs and resistance to flour dust or other external influences are important here. The system is also characterised by simple integration into the production process.

lca-gluing-and-dosing-application-sunrise-II

The challenge

In the bakery industry in particular, there is a pronounced cost pressure combined with the challenge of attracting employees to this sector.
Automation can be part of the solution here. cost-effective and simple robotic solutions support bakeries in the production of their goods and at the same time ensure a sufficiently economical overall situation.

lca-gluing-and-dosing-application-sunrise-III

The solution

This solution saves unnecessary costs while ensuring consistent product quality. The solution consists of a gantry robot in combination with a stroke suction unit. As the components are lubricant-free, it was possible to achieve FDA-compliant handling of the dough blanks.

Examples of robots in food production applications

Robots in chocolate production

When high-quality product deserves a high-quality presentation, automation is a cool way of aiding this. Roose Automation has developed the ChocoMatic which is a modern display system for the finest chocolates. This also includes an appealing vending machine function.
The robot packs the customer's individual selection of chocolates and turns it into a special shopping experience.

To the application

Robot Barista

The increase in people buying coffee from coffee shops is insane. Preparing customised coffee beverages traditionally required skilled baristas and operational effort. However, today, robotic automation can deliver the same consistency and precision as a Barista. Thanks to the fact that robotic systems are capable of continuous 24/7 operation, this makes them suited for high-demand or unattended environments such as airports, service stations, office buildings and unmanned vending locations.

To the application