Driving forces for advanced mechatronics in the food processing industry of the 21st century

Summary form only given. Most food processing operations today make extensive use of more conventional "fixed" automation technologies. These technologies are designed to perform a single function, to be low in cost, and to mass deliver product. Their primary detractions are their inability to respond to product variability or to perform multiple or complex processing activities. However, with growing market pressures to deliver a greater array of value added products, coupled with increasing concern over worker availability, worker safety, and product safety, many food processing companies are focusing their attentions on more "intelligent" automation technologies. These technologies take advantage of the growing power and affordability of computing platforms and an expanding array of electronic sensors and product manipulators. They are capable of delivering performances that are more flexible and discriminating than today\´s systems. This paper discusses these driving forces in greater detail and addresses some of the more promising forms of "intelligent" automation technologies starting to appear in food processing operations.