Demo session Flex Inlay & Packaging – Robotisation of Bread Packaging: From Idea to Practice

The Challenge

Bij Biobakkerij De Trog Rolls are manually placed into MAP packaging. This work is strenuous and repetitive, with high demands on hygiene and product quality. The wide variation in shape, toppings, and stickiness makes automation complex, as does the supply via baking trays instead of conveyor belts.

The Solution

Together with AMTRA Engineering, Fontys and Flanders Make A robotic setup has been developed that automatically picks up, checks, and places sandwiches in MAP packaging. After testing various gripper concepts, a plate-and-finger-based solution was chosen, which can handle the product safely and accurately.

In addition, an AI vision system was developed for quality control, which detects, amongst other things, burnt rolls and deviations in colour and shape. The initial results show an accuracy of approximately 91%.

Positive Evaluation and Business Case

The robotic solution is positively assessed for deployability, flexibility and future potential. Points of attention remain further robustness of the system and automation of product supply.

The business case is clear: less physical strain for employees, lower contamination risks, and better scalability of the production process. The collaboration model between companies and knowledge institutions is also seen as an important success factor.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that the robotisation of vulnerable food products is technically feasible and offers tangible benefits for practical application. Further development is necessary, but the foundation for sustainable and scalable automation in the bakery sector has been laid.