Strategic agreement for food industry automation

The market is progressively moving towards continuous in-line production models. However, many companies still face significant manual challenges in the so-called End-of-Line area, where food products are labeled, inspected, stacked or palletized after packaging. Growing labor shortages increase the urgency to automate these processes. This new alliance responds to these challenges with a comprehensive solutions approach.

Complementary competencies for the entire online process

Each partner brings its specific expertise to the alliance: Bizerba is responsible for weighing, labeling, cutting and inspection technologies, and assumes the role of system integrator. FANUC brings state-of-the-art robotics and control technologies. KILIVATIONS contributes years of experience in developing robotic applications and automation solutions. Schmalz adds extensive knowledge in gripping and vacuum technologies, specifically tailored to the requirements of delicate food products.

At automatica 2025, the four companies presented a first milestone of their partnership: a modular, fully automated sandwich station for the hygienic, non-contact handling of fresh food. The system combines precise cutting technology with state-of-the-art robotics, advanced vacuum gripping systems and high-precision dosing, enabling the timely production of “on-demand” snacks in a non-contact and efficient manner.

Future-proof automation through industrial know-how and interdisciplinary expertise

Numerous promising projects are already underway, focusing on product handling, case loading and palletizing in the end-of-line area of the food industry. Bizerba acts as a central point of contact and integrator of the overall solution.

Oliver Deifel, Head of the Global Customer Solution Center at Bizerba, emphasizes:

"This strategic alliance represents an ideal combination and a fundamental pillar in our strategy at Bizerba to offer comprehensive solutions to the food market. Our goal is to transform the entire in-line process, starting from the packaging machine output, into continuous, scalable and efficient automation concepts. As a leading integrator, we unite our own portfolio with the specialized expertise of our partners to offer future-proof and customer-focused solutions."

The combination of deep industry knowledge, technological excellence and many years of experience in diverse industries makes this new alliance a powerful driver of transformation in food processing.

Cover photo: Source: Bizerba.

From left to right: Oliver Deifel (Bizerba), Jaron Kilian (KILIVATIONS), Thomas Lichtenberger (Schmalz), Jonas Kilian (KILIVATIONS) and Ralf Winkelmann (FANUC) present their joint partnership to drive automation in the food industry in automatica 2025.

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