Automation as a solution for labor shortages
Within the food processing industry, the need for automation is increasing to address labor shortages. Van Wees Waalwijk is testing and validating a newly developed Bin Picking MVP to make product processing more efficient and sustainable. This solution aims to enable flexible and responsible product processing, manufacturing, and packaging with fewer employees.
Broad knowledge question
How do you process food with fewer employees?
The food processing industry is looking for ways to produce more efficiently with fewer workers, without compromising on quality and sustainability. This project explores how a hybrid Bin Picking solution can contribute to flexible and responsible processing of various food products.
Approach
From prototype to practice in the production line
To reduce the number of employees on the fresh salad production lines from 15 to 5, a Bin Picking MVP has been developed. It will be tested in the first quarter of 2025 based on pre-established criteria. The results of this testing phase will determine further optimization and applicability within different production lines.
Goal
A widely applicable Bin Picking solution
The goal is to develop a suitable and flexible Bin Picking MVP that is not only applicable to different production lines but also more broadly within the industry. The solution focuses on the processing of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat products, with the ultimate aim of significantly reducing the required workforce.
Results and reflection
Testing and presenting the technology
In the first quarter of 2025, the testing and validation phase will take place to assess the Bin Picking MVP based on pre-established criteria.
Successful:
Development of a Bin Picking MVP aimed at more efficient product processing with fewer employees.
Clear criteria set for assessing applicability within different production lines.
First testing phase planned, with a demonstration at a major industry event.
Lessons learned:
Development of a Bin Picking MVP aimed at more efficient product processing with fewer employees.
Clear criteria set for assessing applicability within different production lines.
First testing phase planned, with a demonstration at a major industry event.