🤖 End-to-End Automation and Robotics in Food: Factories of the Future! 🚀

[Süeda Asil]

Revolution in the Food Sector: Integrated Solutions from Comau and Automha​

At CIBUS TEC 2026, Comau and Automha introduced groundbreaking integrated automation systems in food processing, packaging, and logistics. Designed to optimize production and intralogistics processes at facilities in Parma, these solutions combine hygienic robots and intelligent warehouse systems.

⚙️ Core Technology and System Architecture​

The star of the fair was Comau's new Hygienic Oil robot family. These robots, which use NSF H1 food-grade lubricants, minimize the risk of contamination without the need for protective covers. Among those showcased were the four-axis S-18-1.7 HO robot, ergonomic MATE exoskeletons, and the Racer-5 SE cell for food handling. In warehouse automation, Automha presented its omnidirectional Quaterways shuttle and AutosatGTR systems for very deep pallet storage. All these systems are coordinated by Automha's Warehouse Management System (WMS), ensuring fully automated storage and retrieval processes.

🚀 Ease of Application and Integration​

The success of these end-to-end automation solutions relies on the seamless integration of robotics, intralogistics, and control software into existing production environments. Fair visitors had the opportunity to discuss various integration strategies with experts, from product acceptance to palletizing. Partner companies such as Progea Leonardo, Camozzi, and Innovision supported the setup of specialized "pick and place" cells with collaborative robots like MyCo. By combining Invent's digital and software expertise with Comau and Automha's hardware power, manufacturers are offered turnkey, structured automation facilities.

🏭 Industrial Applications and Benefits​

The introduced automation and robotic systems are specifically designed for the food and beverage industry and the growing e-commerce sector. Applications include the precise portioning and packaging of food under strict hygiene requirements, as well as the use of collaborative robot cells for packaged products. The combination of FCM-certified handling systems and automated shuttles ensures high process stability, optimizing material flows and increasing overall efficiency in data-driven logistics centers.

📈 Operational Impacts and Performance Metrics​

The use of highly automated shuttle systems and specialized robotics increases efficiency in intralogistics while reducing long-term operating costs. The use of NSF H1 lubricants reduces maintenance intervals for protective covers and increases system safety during direct product handling. While the global intralogistics market is expected to grow by approximately 10% annually until 2030, this integrated automation expertise provides the scalability needed for facility operators to manage larger production volumes more efficiently and improve the sustainability of complex storage structures.