Project Background

Cost & Quality Pressures: EU food processing labor costs rising 6%-8% annually; automation reduces labor expenses by 50%+
Retailers (e.g., Morrisons) demand consistent aesthetic packaging; manual operations fail standards

Production Bottlenecks: Line target speed: ≥ 50 bags/minute; manual efficiency: only 12 bags/minute
UK seasonal labor shortages caused 35% agricultural wage increase (2020-2023); ROI target < 2 years

Pain Points Analysis

Efficiency & Waste Issues:
Manual picking speed ≤ 12 bags/min → 76% capacity gap
Rigid grippers cause 3-5% bag damage → 38% higher annual waste

Unique Physical Properties:
Size variation: 150-250mm irregular surfaces with high slip risk
Force sensitivity: Bags must remain smooth/wrinkle-free; sealed areas withstand zero pressure

Labor Shortages:
Agricultural processing faces worker scarcity; relies on 4-hour shift rotations.