Organic bakery De Trog acts as the bakery and initiator of the project, which aims to automate the ergonomically strenuous task of product insertion into MAP packaging. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) involves filling the packaging with gases that slow down the spoilage of food and medication. This project specifically focuses on eliminating human contact with the product during the packaging process, thereby reducing the risk of micro-bacterial contamination.
Purpose
The main objective of the project is to eliminate human contact during the packaging process, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and extending the shelf life of the products. Furthermore, the project's vision is expanded to focus on quality control, enabling the identification and exclusion of non-conforming products from the packaging.
Solution
To reach a solution, various parties are joining forces: Bio Bakkerij De Trog offers process and product knowledge, Amtra Engineering is responsible for robotisation and integration of different elements, Fontys is focusing on research and development of gripper technology, and Flanders Make is concentrating on vision technology. The initial focus will be on the most common products, but in later stages, the full product range will be integrated. The innovation has the potential to become a broad solution for food companies with varied product batches, which will promote export opportunities and improve the competitive position of medium-sized food companies.
