Award details

Robotic handling mechanisms for food products

Reference	BBS/E/S/00000436
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Mr John Reed
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Silsoe Research Institute
Department	Silsoe Research Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	195,862
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2001
End date	31/03/2002
Duration	12 months

Abstract

Although the food industry has begun to adopt robots for packing, it is rare to see them being used on labour- intensive food production lines, where fast, flexible, hygienic and affordable robots would be welcomed. MAFF in their review of robotics in the food industry showed that the adoption of robots in food production is being held up by a lack of research in grippers and handling technology. This project aims to investigate methods and materials suitable for attachment, contact and release of sticky and slippery food products, and thence to develop lightweight high performance end-effector mechanisms for pick-and-place of individual food objects. The handling parameters of a range of food products will be characterised, and the build-up and transfer of contaminants between products and handling device surfaces, and cleaning methods, will be tested experimentally. The performance of a range of state-of-the- art end effectors and the sensors required will be evaluated. Working with industry a demonstration food handling technology system will be developed. The project is expected to attract LINK and industry funding for some aspects of the research.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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