RaboResearch's recent survey involving over 20 mid-sized food producers in the Netherlands reveals a keen interest in robotization within the sector. This interest is driven by the evolving market conditions, such as the reduction in robot costs and an increase in labour costs. The findings suggest that the mindset and concerns of Dutch food producers towards robotization mirror those of their counterparts across Europe, indicating a broader industry trend towards the adoption of robotic technology.
The food industry, characterized by its low margins, high-volume output, and challenging production environments, has traditionally seen limited robot deployment. However, the landscape is changing. Robots are not only becoming more affordable but are also advancing in capabilities, making them more suitable for a variety of tasks in food production.
The primary motivation for food producers to invest in robots is to address workforce shortages, a problem exacerbated by an ageing population. Robots offer a solution to enhance labour productivity, maintain workforce levels, and accommodate less skilled workers. Additionally, robots can contribute to lowering production costs, improving output consistency, and expanding product offerings without compromising scale efficiencies.
The survey also highlights potential areas within the production process for robot integration, including tasks that currently require significant human intervention such as handling raw materials, internal logistics, and packaging. With the development of new-generation robots, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and collaborative robots (cobots), which are designed to operate alongside humans, the scope for robotic applications in food production is rapidly expanding.
Source: research.rabobank.com/far