Food & Beverage
In the food and beverage industry, high hygiene standards are just one part of the equation—flexibility, traceability, and short cycle times are equally essential. Automated solutions help make production processes not only more efficient but also more transparent and safer. Whether in processing, packaging, or labelling – with our tailored automation systems, you're fully equipped to meet today's challenges and ready for tomorrow's demands.
Food Labeler
Key facts
- Time stamp printing on changing product positions
- Product recognition via barcode
- Flexible 2-axis print head
- Conveyor belt with buffer storage
- 2340 time stamps per hour
Task
Food products must be provided with a variable time stamp, whereby the print position changes depending on the product. To avoid errors, each product must be clearly identified by its barcode and printed correctly.
Solution
A 5 m long conveyor belt transports manually placed products through the processing area. There, a camera identifies the barcode and a controller coordinates the inkjet printer and the Y/Z axis positioning of the print head. The print position is dynamically adjusted depending on the product. A buffer area at the end of the belt automatically stops the system in the event of overfilling.
Dominik Gloor
Project management, Sales
Phone +41 62 771 01 53
dominik.gloor@asytec.ch
Coffee Capsule Testing System
Key facts
- Two independent test circuits with interchangeable coffee machines
- Stäubli TX60 robot with multifunctional gripper
- Fully automated data processing & central storage
- Autonomous runtime ≥ 30 minutes on just 2.1 m²
Task
An automatic testing machine is to handle and perform quality control on coffee capsules. Two different coffee machines must be operated in parallel and be easy to change if necessary. The capsule feed should enable an autonomous runtime of at least 30 minutes. All inspection data must be recorded and stored automatically.
Solution
A compact robot with a flexible gripper takes over the entire handling and testing tasks on up to four machines. Thanks to the quick-change system, coffee machines can be easily replaced in the event of a fault. The capsules are fed in via conveyor belts and operated via a central panel. All measurement data is automatically recorded and stored in the database.
Jonas Markus Egli
Managing director, Board of Directors
Phone +41 62 771 01 51
jonas.egli@asytec.ch
Coffee Capsule Testing Station
Key facts
- Two independent test circuits with original brewing units
- Automatic capsule separation & processing
- 30 minutes of autonomy thanks to capsule magazines
- Central operation via laptop & database connection
Task
Two different capsule types are to be tested automatically in separate test circuits with original brewing units. The capsules must be fed, separated and processed correctly. All relevant test parameters are to be assigned to the respective batches and stored centrally. It should be possible to operate and monitor the entire system via a laptop.
Solution
The capsules are fed via two buffer belts with position and type control before separation. Each capsule is automatically fed into the appropriate brewing unit, whereby an empty check is carried out in advance. Used coffee and capsule residues are fed into monitored containers. Automatic control and disposal processes greatly simplify maintenance.
Jonas Markus Egli
Managing director, Board of Directors
Phone +41 62 771 01 51
jonas.egli@asytec.ch
Pouch Bag Handling
Key facts
- Redirection of tubular bags between two conveyor belts
- Existing Stäubli Scara robot integrated
- Processing: 50-80 bags/minute at up to 18 m/min belt speed
- Format & position detection without vision system
Task
Two parallel conveyor belts transport tubular bags to the packaging system in a random order, with the filling system working faster than the packaging. To avoid overloading, bags are to be automatically diverted to the second belt as required. An existing Stäubli Scara robot is available for handling.
Solution
A food-grade robot cell with five laser scanners for position detection and encoder-supported belt tracking takes over the redirection. The robot uses shape-adapted silicone suction cups with individually controllable vacuum valves for reliable handling. A powerful vacuum pump reduces the cycle time. The construction allows easy access and is designed for easy cleaning.
Jonas Markus Egli
Managing director, Board of Directors
Phone +41 62 771 01 51
jonas.egli@asytec.ch