Biscuit World Spring 2015 | Page 4

The integrated science of the Industry 4.0 Catalina Mihu - Editor email: [email protected] Skype: catalina.mihu A nuga FoodTec, the international supplier fair for the food and beverage industry, hosted this year 14 per cent more exhibitors (March 24-27) compared to the previous edition in 2012. Over 1,500 exhibitors from 49 countries and more than 45,000 visitors visited Cologne for the show to witness the latest in mechanical engineering, food and beverage technology, process technology, packaging and filling sectors. During our visit, we got a glimpse of the food technology of the future, starting with the press tour organized by DLG, which included a live demonstration of the Robotik-Pack-Line. This was one instance of the prevailing topic of the Industry 4.0 showcased at Anuga FoodTec. The complex processing and packaging system comprises more than a dozen modules and we had the opportunity to observe the Industry 4.0 concept in action. Each of the modules “knows” its tasks and works in sync – from the CSB-System, which is responsible for managing all the other components, to modules by Kronen, Yaskawa, Ceres Vision, LMD, Hilutec, Linde, Mettler-Toledo, SES, Wächter Packautomatik, Fanuc, Akon Robotics, SMC Pneumatik and Overveld Packaging, as well as the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL). The line allows for various products to be assembled, controlled, packaged, labeled and combined to form larger units. The end result is a finished pallet, containing all selected product combinations. All of the variable process parameters are permanently interchangeable. This also means that all the performance data is always available and potential stoppages are also immediately flagged. The whole production process is visualized and the efficiency of the system is continuously calculated. The smart robot line was one illustration of what Industry 4.0 means, which essentially stands for “the fusion of production technologies, products and the Internet,” as described by the host of the press t o u r, P r o f . D r. H e r b e r t J . Buckenhüskes, DLG eV. The goal of achieving the smart factory, including food production plants, is within reach as machines are “learning” to communicate during processing. Out of the numerous benefits of intelligent technology, safety is one of the key aspects. This was analyzed during several seminar presentations that I attended in Cologne and are hot industry topics – from “Ethics in Food Production” to “Sustainability in the Food Industry” and including “Ethical Aspects of Nanotechnology in Food Manufacturing”. This year, we will also investigate and review these topics, as what was once a “science fiction” dream is now fully functional, “live” science. Make sure you have your copy for future exciting science! “This year, we will also investigate and review these topics, as what was once a “science fiction” dream is now fully functional, “live” science.” Catalina Mihu (Editor) email: [email protected] Tel: [phone] Skype: catalina.mihu Mihaela Canescu (Subscriptions) Circulation & Direct Marketing Manager [email protected] Tel: [phone] Skype: raluca.gradinaru Ioana Oancea (Online Editor) email: [email protected] Tel: [phone] Skype: ioana.oancea82 Rob Goldring (Graphics) [email protected] Like our page and join our online community: www.facebook.com/worldbakers Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/worldbakers We will update regularly on our activities, upcoming features and show attendance. Join our group on LinkedIn search for: World Bakers News Copyright © Trade Media Solutions. All rights reserved. Contributing writers Barbara Zec, Aleksandar Stajcic, Andre Erasmus, Brigitte Bayart Svjetlana Krznaric (Advertising Sales, Associated Publisher) emai