Rotzinger group builds-up for iba with new robotics-enhanced machinery
Automation specialist, Rotzinger Group, has confirmed that for this year’s iba event, its core confectionery and bakery systems focus will include an advanced Hygienic Conveyor for dry cleaning and a robotics-enhanced pick and place system with an integrated buffer, writes Neill Barston.
The company recently made a major appearance at the 2023 edition of Interpack, showcasing a number of systems, which it is set to continue this autumn.
As the company noted, one of the first projects using its advanced conveyor technology will be presented at an in-house show by Transver, in Altendorf, Switzerland, on 17-18 August.
In addition, the innovations will be highlighted from 22 to 26 October at iba event in Munich, booth B-470, Designed for confectionery and bakery products, the hygienic conveyor is optimised for dry cleaning, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety regulations in European food manufacturing.
Leveraging decades of expertise in pick and place delta robots, buffering and conveying, the new integrated solution from Rotzinger combines flexibility, compactness, and ease of operation to boost uptime and reduce the total cost of ownership.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with our European customers and prospects in the food sector at the in-house show and iba Munich,” says Christian Vouillamoz, product manager, Rotzinger Group. “Our Hygienic Conveyor for dry cleaning and Robot with an Integrated Buffer have been specifically designed to tackle the escalating concerns regarding efficiencies and heightened sanitary requirements in food production. With their intuitive controls and streamlined design, these solutions aim to enhance productivity and optimise operations.”
hygiene focus
As the company noted, foodborne illnesses affect a significant number of individuals in Europe each year, highlighting the importance of preventing contamination and bacterial buildup in food production facilities.
Consequently, Rotzinger has developed a Hygienic Conveyor for dry cleaning, specifically designed to address food safety concerns and adhere to the highest hygienic standards. Its latest conveyor incorporates an intelligent cleaning design, featuring a foldable belt and beveled or rounded horizontal surfaces that prevent the accumulation of dirt particles and crumbs, thereby reducing the risk of mould infestation.
The side panels no longer run horizontally parallel to the belt, but are inclined at 45 degrees to allow easier shedding of product residue. A hinged belt support enables easy access for efficient cleaning and maintenance. The conveyor’s stainless-steel construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
Furthermore, the Hygienic Conveyor provides flexibility in size range, accommodating a wide range of requirements. It offers width options ranging from 150 to 1800 mm; and length options from 400 to 35,000 mm, allowing it to meet the most challenging layout requirements with ease.
As the business added, the pandemic has significantly impacted Europe’s economy and labor market, causing a precipitous decline, as highlighted in the EURES Report on labor shortages and surpluses 20221. This downturn has been further emphasised by projections from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB)2, which predicts a potential workforce reduction of seven million in Germany by 2035.
In response to these challenges, Rotzinger Group has developed the Robot with an Integrated Buffer. This advanced machine is capable of efficiently picking and placing both unpacked and packed products into various packaging formats, including cartons, cases, thermoforms, flow-wrappers, and cartoning machines. In doing so, it offers a viable solution to address labor shortages, while also optimising production processes in the face of adversity.
With its modular design and flexibility, this integrated solution combines delta robots, buffers and conveyors in one cell with a reduced footprint, enabling greater efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness. The use of a single controller and a unified setup philosophy enables hassle-free maintenance and straightforward operation, eliminating the need for complex programming or extensive training.
The Robot with an Integrated Buffer can be operated by a sole operator, offering simple changeovers facilitated by recipe selection, which automatically adjusts the necessary parameters with just a few clicks.