Exponent Highlights FANUC's Food-Grade Robotics Innovations at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025

FANUC America Pioneers Food-Grade Robotics at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

FANUC America, a frontrunner in industrial automation, is set to display its cutting-edge food-grade robotic solutions at the PACK EXPO Las Vegas from September 29 to October 1, 2025. The company’s booth, W-3408, will feature its advanced DR-3iB/6 stainless IP69K-rated delta robot and the food-grade SR-12iA/C SCARA robot, both designed to enhance packaging processes in the food industry. These robots not only meet USDA and FDA sanitation standards but are also equipped with vacuum grippers and FANUC’s iRPickTool, ensuring precise handling even in high-pressure washdown environments. FANUC’s commitment to sanitation and safety is evident in their use of NSF-H1 certified food-grade grease and designs that facilitate easy cleaning, reinforcing the importance of hygiene in food processing.

The robots are integrated with advanced vision-guided automation, allowing them to detect and adapt to varying product positions. This capability significantly improves efficiency in food handling tasks, critical for maintaining consistent production levels. Moreover, FANUC showcases its collaborative robots (cobots), which are adept at managing diverse food items, including baked goods like chocolate chip cookies and brownies. For instance, the dual CRX-20iA/L cobots dynamically load cookies onto conveyor belts, utilizing FANUC's iRVision technology for precise positioning. As labor shortages continue to challenge the industry, these innovations not only enhance sanitation but also boost production throughput while ensuring quality assurance.

FANUC America's participation at PACK EXPO reflects its dedication to advancing automation solutions tailored to the food processing sector. The company’s solutions are increasingly vital as the industry navigates challenges such as labor shortages and the need for stringent hygiene protocols. By integrating technology that enhances both safety and efficiency, FANUC is positioning itself as a leader in the evolution of food automation, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the sector’s growing demands for innovative and reliable solutions.

In addition to FANUC, Morchem, a global producer of laminating adhesives, is also showcasing its innovations at PACK EXPO. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary, Morchem introduces solventless adhesives that align with the industry’s shift towards sustainable packaging. Their advanced technologies enhance the performance of solvent-free systems while supporting recyclability initiatives, thus addressing both environmental concerns and operational efficiency.

The growing trend towards flexible packaging underscores the importance of collaboration between companies and their customers to meet evolving market demands. As the industry moves away from rigid containers, the focus on minimizing waste and reducing costs becomes increasingly crucial for manufacturers and consumers alike.