ABB high‐speed picking robots establish themselves in food packaging

Purpose – To report some successful applications of vision‐controlled robots in picking and packing of foodstuffs. Design/methodology/approach – The design and capabilities of ABB's two picking robots are explained, and the specialist software that integrates vision guidance and product inspection. Then two food‐picking applications are described in detail. Findings – The delta robot design combines low weight with high stiffness, giving very fast picking capability. The Cognex‐based vision system also produces high speed and precision, and is able to guide the robot and perform 100 per cent inspection in real time. Hygienic robot design allows it to handle open food. Practical implications – ABB's FlexPicker robot has moved from being a niche product to a volume product, bringing high‐speed picking capability to a wider market. Originality/value – Showcases the capability and flexibility of a powerful vision‐guided high‐speed robot.