At the forefront of both traditional and Industry 4.0 robotics, a breakthrough innovation is set to transform hygiene standards in food processing plants. This sector, long challenged by labor shortages and the critical need to uphold impeccable sanitary conditions, now has access to an automated aerial cleaning solution that not only streamlines operations but also ensures a safer and more efficient production environment.
The collaboration between Samey Robotics and Rbot9 has led to the development of the VOTTA system — a cutting-edge cleaning platform powered by the FANUC CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot. This solution marks a significant leap forward by eliminating the need for human intervention in elevated cleaning tasks, delivering efficiency gains of up to 30%.
The Inspiration and Technology Behind VOTTA draws its inspiration from Rbot9’s industrial cable robot platform, ROCAP. This high-strength cable system supports a mobile aerial robotic platform capable of navigating large workspaces without the need for rails or major structural modifications. Its mobility is key to reaching every corner of a processing plant, even overcoming physical obstacles with ease.
The choice of the FANUC CRX-10iA/L as the heart of the VOTTA system was no coincidence. This cobot was selected for its outstanding features, including:
- Robustness and dexterity, essential for demanding industrial environments
- Hygienic design, crucial for meeting food industry sanitation standards
- Advanced safety functions, such as safety zones and speed limits for secure operation alongside human workers
- Reliability and ease of use, highlighted by Samey Robotics, a long-time FANUC partner, who emphasizes the CRX series’ zero maintenance over eight years and its five-year warranty, along with its IP67 rating
Rbot9 also praised FANUC’s global reputation — a key factor in its plans to expand the VOTTA system internationally.
Benefits and Outlook for the Food Industry Combining the reach, payload capacity, and precision of the CRX-10iA/L with the mobility of the ROCAP system, VOTTA can dynamically position itself to clean every area of a plant, effortlessly navigating around obstacles. It operates without disrupting production, and its cleaning paths can be quickly adapted to the specific needs of each facility.
By replacing manual cleaning, food processors can reduce wash times by up to 30%, resulting in a favorable return on investment. Initially deployed in Iceland’s fish processing industry, VOTTA is now available across Europe and suitable for a wide range of food operations — including meat, poultry, bakery, salad, and cheese production.
VOTTA not only addresses labor shortages but also sets a new benchmark in hygiene automation, enabling food factories to operate with maximum efficiency and safety. It’s a clear example of how collaborative robotics is reshaping the standards of production and sanitation in today’s industry.
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