The COTEMACO kick-off meeting for the robotics industry, held at HighTechNL last week, attracted a great deal of interest. The challenges, market size and often harsh working conditions in the food processing industry offer great potential for technology providers of flexible automation and robotics. However, it is not a market that can be accessed without the necessary prior knowledge, according to the presentations of WUR and Food Tech Brainport.
The food processing industry has a number of specific characteristics that are crucial in the development and design by the robotics providers. For example, hygiene plays a major and very important role in this sector. Design, but also choice of materials are decisive here. The cleaning process, often with chemical means, also influences the choices in the design process. The sector itself also indicates a need for flexible deployment, so that a robot or cobot can be used for multiple lines or processes.
The COTEMACO project supports both food processors and technology providers in entering the field of flexible automation of food processing.
This is facilitated through the FieldLab at Food Tech Brainport in Helmond. This FieldLab will be set up with cobot demonstrators and 3D animations that provide insight into the technical possibilities through a hands-on experience for entrepreneurs in food processing. Based on these inspiring demonstrators, COTEMACO offers opportunities for further familiarisation with flexible automation and for exploring possible implementations in their specific business situation.
Are you working in the food processing industry and are interested in the possibilities of automating processes within your company?
Contact John de Groot, project manager COTEMACO at Food Tech Brainport
Are you a supplier of flexible automation and robotics and are interested in the opportunities within this project?
Contact Ben van der Zon, program manager International Technology Projects at High Tech NL
