Robotics driving processing innovation, claims Weber

Speaking to Globalmeatnews.com​ at Process Expo 2013 in Chicago last week, Janse said that meat processors were looking for easy-to-clean equipment that reduced labour costs and improved throughput. She added that robotics were increasingly popular in the meat sector, because they offered flexibility with a relatively small footprint, enabling operators to save space and maximise productivity.

Janse said the principles of automation and hygiene drove the development of Weber’s 906 Slicer, which was on show at the Chicago exhibition. The slicer, launched at IFFA in Frankfurt earlier this year, boasts fully automated centre loading and an “open design”​, which the company claims makes it more hygienic and easier to clean.

The 906 slicer also features the Weber Power Control (WPC) operating system, which has been rolled out across many of Weber’s new machines and recently won a Red Dot Design Award. Janse said the WPC impressed the award panel with its user-friendly design, which features a touchscreen panel and smart phone-style operation.

Also on display on the Weber stand at Process Expo was the company’s recently launched X-Ray Scanner CPS-X 400/650, which Janse said offers meat processors faster and more accurate product density analysis. She added that the scanner can determine the density of four products in one cycle, and would particularly benefit processors slicing meat products of varying fat proportions.