Food robotics is an emerging field that uses robotic technology to optimize food and beverage operations. Food robots can perform many tasks, such as picking up ingredients, creating pizzas, flipping burgers, making sushi, preparing salads, packaging food, mixing cocktails and stacking boxes, which are traditionally handled by humans. This innovation facilitates quick and efficient workflow in the kitchen/automated kitchen of any AI powered restaurant.
Moreover, robots lower the risk of accidents by taking over some of the more dangerous tasks such as handling sharp knives for chopping, operating any high-temperature cooking equipment like fryers and stovetops, and managing heavy pots and pans.
Many restaurants and food companies are using food robots since they help save time and lower costs. These machines work fast and never get tired, permitting businesses to serve more customers and meet their requirements effectively. These machines also challenge chef’s creativity in enhancing food presentation, and creating new recipes, along with catering to special diet requests from the customers. This increases the popularity of food robotics, as restaurants embrace new technology that is intended to make work easier, smarter and quicker. There is, thus, an anticipated increase in the adoption of robots in kitchens and food factories in the future.
According to a recent report published by Allied Market Research, the global food robotics market is expected to exhibit a noteworthy CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast timeframe.
Advancements in technology are revolutionizing the food robotics sector
Nowadays, the global food robotics industry is witnessing remarkable expansion. This is because of the recent advancements in robotics, AI, and ML. These technologies are changing the food sector through the enhanced capabilities of food robots. Modern robots come with advanced sensors and vision systems along with AI-driven algorithms. This permits them to perform intricate tasks with high precision and flexibility. In addition, these systems allow the robots to learn and even refine their tasks over time, making food production more efficient.
Vision systems for precision
A notable development in the field is the incorporation of vision systems that enable robots to identify, sort and process food items according to their variations in size, shape and color. This flexibility is crucial for managing a variety of food products in ever-changing environments.
Collaborative robots for flexibility
Another advancement in technology is the emergence of collaborative robots, which are made to work safely alongside people. These robots can be easily reprogrammed and redeployed for various tasks, thereby empowering flexibility and performance in food production chains. They are capable of adapting to changing manufacturing needs without delay, boosting overall productivity.
Innovators driving transformation in the landscape of food robotics
The major players in the food robotics industry such as Doosan Robotics and ABB are using advanced technologies to automate tasks, meet hygiene standards and address labor shortages, revolutionizing the food and beverage industry.
For instance, in April 2023, Doosan Robotics launched the NSF-certified E-Series, a line of collaborative robots customized for the food and beverage industry. It brings together advanced technology and affordability. These cobots adhere to stringent safety and hygiene standards, featuring sealed axis connections to ensure food safety compliance. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to install together with a 5kg payload and a range of about 3 feet, permitting it to handle various food tasks efficiently.
The E-SERIES have been tested in applications such as cooking fried chicken at Robert Chicken and brewing coffee with Doosan Robotics’ Dr. Presso. The company intends to further expand the cobot capabilities in other F&B tasks, which include baking, BBQ, and functions in the quick-service restaurant sector.
With the E-SERIES, Doosan Robotics introduced 13 new cobots, which represent the largest lineup in the global industry. These cobots offer solutions to labor shortages and enhance productivity. CEO William Ryu stated that the E-SERIES is a product fueling evolution in the food and beverage industry.
Simultaneously, in June 2024, ABB Robotics established a memorandum of understanding with Pulmuone Co. Ltd., a Seoul-based food company, to enhance automation for lab-grown seafood. Pulmuone, known for brands such as Monterey Gourmet Foods and Nasoya tofu focuses on seafood produced through cell cultivation. ABB intends to use its robotics and automation solutions to improve production efficiency, while minimizing the cross-contamination risks. Robots help lab workers avoid repetitive tasks, benefiting South Korea’s labor market. Kim Sang-gu, Pulmuone’s Food Safety Department Director, expressed excitement about the collaboration, anticipating advancements that modernize technology and introduce innovative concepts in seafood.
Summing up
Food robotics is changing the food sector by enhancing efficiency, safety and precision. Cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, and vision systems enable robots to manage operations, adapt to evolving industry demands and maintain stringent hygiene standards. The sector is expected to expand, offering profitable opportunities to streamline food production and deal with labor shortages with increasing automation and introduction of collaborative robots.
