CANADA -Apex Motion Control has unveiled its latest innovation, the Baker-Bot Quad, at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association convention.
This advanced robotic decorating system is designed to meet the increasing demands of the baking industry, particularly as skilled labor becomes scarce.
The Baker-Bot Quad features a modular design with four direct-mount, 3D vision collaborative robot (cobot) arms, making it a versatile solution for various applications in the baking, food, dairy, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The Baker-Bot Quad is engineered to streamline the labor-intensive tasks of decorating cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pies.
With the retirement of experienced decorators and the lack of new entrants into the field, bakeries are seeking efficient solutions to maintain competitiveness.
“Robotic decorating offers the perfect answer for bakeries looking to stay competitive,” said John Unrein, a representative from Apex Motion Control.
The system’s compact footprint allows for easy integration into existing production lines, providing a turnkey solution that can be deployed rapidly.
Apex Motion Control, based in British Columbia, Canada, has over two decades of experience in helping bakeries enhance their production capabilities.
The Baker-Bot Quad is not only designed for decoration but also includes features for tray management, palletizing, primary and secondary packaging, filling, and even dough cutting.
Its modular cobots can handle payloads of up to 5 kg and are fully washdown compliant, making them suitable for food processing environments.
The system’s capabilities include precise icing of cakes, drizzling, and writing, which are accomplished through temperature-controlled pumps that ensure accuracy and consistency.
“This machinery increases productivity and consistency with standard and custom configurations,” noted Unrein.
The integration of 3D vision technology allows the Baker-Bot Quad to detect products accurately, further enhancing its operational efficiency.
In addition to the Baker-Bot Quad, the company also showcased its Baker-Bot MAX model, which is built to cater to the evolving needs of modern industrial bakery production.
Both systems are designed to alleviate the physical strain on workers by automating repetitive tasks, thereby improving workplace safety and productivity.
The unveiling of the Baker-Bot Quad aligns with broader trends in the robotics industry, particularly highlighted at Automate 2024, where Doosan Robotics showcased its advancements in collaborative robots.
The company emphasized its commitment to developing motion solutions tailored to human needs across various sectors, including food and beverage services.
“The Motion Platform Company” was the theme at this year’s Automate, reflecting the industry’s focus on creating adaptable and efficient robotic solutions.
Furthermore, other companies have also introduced innovations aimed at enhancing bakery operations. For instance, Unifiller offers machines capable of splitting, filling, icing, and decorating cakes in minutes, while Bakon produces professional spraying machines for various food applications.
These advancements collectively aim to simplify the tasks of bakers and decorators, making their work more efficient and less labor-intensive.
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