Consistent cake decoration

Quasar Automation and technology partners Scorpion Vision and Mitsubishi Electrics, have developed a robotic system that adapts to the shape and surface profile of each individual cake to allow precise and consistent decoration.

The technology has been designed to deal with highly contoured surfaces and product to product variability and is based on the use of 3D vision and lasers that scan the surface of the cake and use the data to calculate the robot path for that individual item. This means that the dispensing nozzle maintains the optimum distance from the surface, eliminating the potential for damage to the surface of the cake.

The concept also allows the system to be used on unusual shaped cakes such as those that are designed as cars, footballs, trains and so on.

The robot and vision system are just part of the solution, as it is equally important to be able to control the dispensing system if a consistent “bead” profile is to be achieved. This part of the system is another Quasar development, which uses a precision motor – linked to the robot controller as an auxiliary axis – to provide proportional control during the dispensing process, with the icing finally delivered via a bespoke depositing nozzle system.

Quasar is currently in discussions with a leading UK cake manufacturer, which is keen to introduce this technology to its production facility.