Robots can optimize the complex processes of the food industry. Food robots can help with all aspects of food production, from the farm to the kitchen to the grocery store, restaurants, and home cooking. Each step can be automated to ensure that it meets demand and productivity.
Agriculture is the foundation of the food industry. Agriculture is the source of all food products, including meat, milk, and crops. Agricultural entities have the responsibility to provide these food products and should look to robots for each step.
Autonomous robots are able to travel through fields of crops, remove weeds and monitor crop health. Other autonomous robots are capable of collecting eggs and milk, as well as feeding the animals.
These robots can perform repetitive tasks and free up farmworkers for more complex tasks that require greater dexterity and intuition.
The drones can then perform an overhead analysis of the crops using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones.
Drones are equipped with thermal imaging and high-definition cameras that can provide information about the crops’ moisture and fertilizer requirements.
UAVs can monitor large areas of land in a matter of minutes, which is a time-saving option that could save workers many hours.
Manufacturing
The first step in robotics for food processing is manufacturing. This involves many steps that are common in a manufacturing plant, such as packaging and safety monitoring.
Robots are able to clean and sort different kinds of food. Robotic arms are capable of organizing fruits and vegetables into separate containers.
Food packaging machinery can prepare certain foods before their trip to the supermarket Robots can cut fruits and vegetables with a variety of cutting tools.
They can make it more efficient by switching between different cutting implements or paring knives accordingly. These robots can cut food in grocery stores and prepare meals by themselves.
It is more complicated to get robots to work in the butchery part of manufacturing. Sometimes, it can be difficult to prepare meat using robots. Automated robots are capable of deboning meat and fish.
Packaging
The robotics involved in food processing can combine the ingredients to make a frozen meal or pre-packaged meal. Workers can meet demand and supply levels with efficient and fast robotic packaging systems.
These robots can also sort food onto pallets to be shipped later. Robotics that can navigate through warehouses and retrieve or store inventory will be more common.
The food packaging industry offers a unique opportunity for reducing waste by using robots.
The United States’ total waste was 63% in 2014. Manufacturers have the option to switch to biodegradable packaging materials. These materials will allow them to mass-produce food more sustainably if robots are used.
Safety
Robots are able to perform dangerous tasks in warehouses or manufacturing plants, which can put workers at risk. Pick and place robots are capable of retrieving items from high places.
Food robots can perform tasks that would otherwise cause illness in employees. Both severe and mild foodborne diseases are very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million Americans are affected by foodborne diseases each year.
Robots can operate with meats, fish, or other products that could cause illness, which reduces the time lost. Robots are less likely to mispackage food products and spread an illness.
Delivery
Food delivery was a norm after the pandemic that closed down restaurants. The largest food delivery companies made $5.5 billion between April and September 2020. This is twice the amount they earned during the same period in 2019
But, the food delivery industry continues to grow even now. There are many autonomous vehicles in use throughout the country.
Some work on a large scale in towns, while others are more efficient on campus. Kiwi, for example, delivers food autonomously to college campuses across California.
The company plans to deliver more than 500 meals in a single day, setting a new world record. Robotic food delivery is also possible using drones.
They could transport food from restaurants to customers at a specific location. Although logistics are still being worked out by companies, this adoption could have huge implications for food delivery.
There are companies that make robots for indoor delivery. The T6 and the T1 models have shelves that can hold food. These robots can then autonomously navigate public areas such as restaurants and hotels, bringing food to customers.
Cooking
Robots can also be used in the kitchen to prepare food. Robots are being used in restaurants to prepare the ingredients and cook them.
The creator burger joint is located in San Francisco. Robots prepare the ingredients and cook the burgers.
These robots may soon be a popular trend in home cooking. A company already has a robot that can cook meals for customers.
The company plans to release robots that can cook up to 5,000 meals and have the ability for customers to use their skills.
These examples show how robots can be used in restaurants and for personal use by integrating the right technology.
Grocery Shopping
Customers can shop for ingredients at grocery stores. Robots can be used to assist customers and manage inventory.
Robots work behind the scenes to sort and process incoming packages just like they would in a factory. They can unpack and sort the contents. This organization assists in inventory management and ordering the right products.
Some robots are able to greet customers upon their entry or provide assistance. Pepper, the robot, is an example. The robot can be found in stores where it informs customers on COVID-19 safety precautions and gives them a warm greeting.
In conclusion
These seven areas of the food industry demonstrate how robots can change everything. Robotics can bring efficiency, safety, customer satisfaction, and profitability to the food industry. Robots will be more integral to every step.
