Introduction to the Industrial Internet of Things
Regardless of the business scale, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) framework uses a remote sensor to collect data from machines and humans to boost productivity, promote better decision-making and create competitive advantages. The IIoT brings together machines, big data analytics and workers to create a network of interconnected industrial equipment that can track, gather, share, examine and present useful data. IIoT combines information technologies (IT) and operational technologies (OT), with cloud and analytics integrated into the mix. It addresses many issues, such as food safety, control, competitive pressure and demand forecasting, the technology used in Industry 4.0 framework help industries improve their processes and gain a competitive edge. In the food sector, IIoT sustainable industries have focused on reducing food waste, automating data collection, improving food traceability and cutting back CO2 emissions. It adheres to the principles of reduce, reuse and recycling. IIoT enables staff members to have remote access and monitor critical systems.
Robotics in the Modern Food Industry
Newly emerging robot configurations with related automation technologies, such as vision systems and processing software are causing robot applications to move both downstream and upstream for picking, packing and applications like palletising. The reason for implementing robotic systems in the food industry are for reducing manpower, enhancing quality and efficiency, the capability to work in hostile environments and increasing consistency and flexibility.
Robotics in Food Packaging Industry
Human vestigials and transient organisms pose a specific risk since they spread through contact.
In the dairy industry: In the US, robotic-milking technology became available in 2000. In a robotic-milking farm, each cow has an electronic tag. The voluntary method allows cows to choose when they want to be milked. When a cow enters the robot, her ID tag is scanned and she receives a feed incentive based on her output level. The robot then begins the milking process. The milking process occurs at all hours, day & night.
In cheese packaging and slicing technologies: Dairy operations use robots to stir curds. Cheese blocks are transported to the robot picking area on wooden boards and the unique gripper enables the cheese blocks to be picked up and transferred to a conveyor for further processing.
Conclusion
Food Industry 4.0 is a global-focused field. The use of automation, artificial intelligence, big data, and robotics helps reduce human error, food contamination, etc. in industrial processing. Farm-to-folk traceability of food commodities, quality and safety become a key priority that is achieved by modern Food Industry 4.0.
