As the last element of a kinematic chain, grippers represent one of the most important aspects in the solution of automation processes in the food industry, as they are intended to replace the human hand in the process. This means they are the interface between the robot and the food. 

With direct contact to food, it is also important for these gripper systems that they take the demanding hygienic requirements of the food industry into account and with them also the specifications for hygienic design without compromise, and must therefore be comprehensively cleanable and disinfectable. 

On the other hand, solutions are required which are matched to varying physical and mechanical properties of the respective food in more or less far-reaching areas. Finally, the grippers are to fulfil their tasks without destroying the product and without leaving behind visible traces on the surface in the process. You'll learn how that can be achieved in this session.

Available on anugafoodtec @home 

10:00-10:10 Opening and Chair

Helmut Steinkamp, LUFA Nord-West, Oldenburg, Germany

10:10-10:35 Special requirements for the use of robots in the food industry

Dirk Burhenne, Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics, Bayreuth, Germany

10:35-11:00 Fast, safe, gentle – novel gripping systems enables flexible and hygienic handling of sensitive products

N.N.

11:00-11:25 Vacuum gripper for food industry 

Jens Schröder, German Institute of Food Technologies, Quakenbrück, Germany

11:25-11:30 Summary and closing

Helmut Steinkamp, LUFA Nord-West, Oldenburg, Germany