Seven-Axis Dexterity: Transforming Food Processing Through Collaborative Robotics and Vision Integration
The food and beverage industry has traditionally struggled with automating tasks that require a human-like touch, particularly when dealing with non-rigid or unstable items such as stacks of empty packaging. The recent collaboration between Kassow Robots and HELDELE Automation, showcased at Interpack 2026, represents a significant leap forward in addressing these "difficult-to-automate" manual processes. By utilizing a 7-axis kinematic structure, these cobots offer a level of maneuverability that exceeds standard 6-axis systems, allowing them to reach around obstacles and operate within the incredibly tight footprints common in legacy food processing facilities.
Central to this application is the fusion of robotics with advanced sensing. A 7-axis cobot equipped with a 3D camera system can dynamically calculate gripping points for stacks of yogurt cups that may have shifted during transport. This eliminates the need for expensive and rigid mechanical fixtures, replacing them with a flexible, software-defined approach. The use of a patented universal gripper further underscores this flexibility, allowing a single robotic cell to handle varying product formats without requiring physical tooling changes. This adaptability is a cornerstone of modern production, where product lifecycles are shorter and batch sizes are increasingly variable.
Integration into the broader factory ecosystem is facilitated by Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX AUTOMATION platform. This modular architecture allows the cobot to function not as a standalone island of automation, but as an integrated component of the entire packaging line. When paired with high-performance conveying solutions like VarioFlow plus, the result is a seamless flow of material that maximizes throughput while minimizing the risk of downtime. The deterministic control provided by these systems ensures that the robot’s movements are synchronized with the rest of the machinery at microsecond levels.
For many manufacturers, the barrier to adopting such technology has historically been the complexity of programming and maintenance. However, the current generation of lightweight robots is designed with a "simple but strong" philosophy. By lowering the technical threshold for deployment, these systems empower operators to manage complex automation independently. As the industry continues to move toward a more digitalized and responsive manufacturing model, the combination of high-degree-of-freedom robotics and integrated vision will be essential for maintaining a resilient and efficient supply chain.