Award for fresh produce packing robot22 October 2019

A crate loading robot for fresh produce factories from automated packing and palletisation machine manufacturer Brillopak has won the PPMA Innovative Robotics Solution 2019 award.

The UniPAKer system has been designed with the aim of improving pack presentation in retailer crates and to handle products carefully to prevent bruising.

A patented ‘glove’ end-effector has also been designed with soft fingers – four on each side – which can scoop-up the product and places it in a crate.

It is claimed that the robot can consistently load up to 75 packs per minute in VFFS, tray sealed and flow wrapped packs and it is said to be ideal for vegetables, fruits and salad up to 1kg.

In summarising their decision, eight independent judges said: “Brillopak’s UniPAKer fresh produce robot is a stand-out performer within its category. Incorporating a four-arm delta robot, it significantly increases productivity, while improving pick and pack presentation in crates to reduce waste. The robot’s highly innovative glove gripper makes for damage-free handling of food items to help showcase automation at its best.”

The robot has recently been installed at three Morrisons fresh produce sites and has met key business/project objectives, including: improving pack presentation in crates, reducing waste, eliminating line bottlenecks, reducing reliance on agency staff and improving workforce wellbeing and satisfaction.

Brillopak Director David Jahn adds: “I’d like to thank Brillopak’s team of designers and engineers who pride themselves on attention to detail and are dedicated to building simple plug and play systems. I hope the UniPAKer will help more UK produce factories to successfully automate their end of line packing facilities.”

Adam Offord

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.