equipment briefs

Soft Robotics Inc. has announced its launch of SoftAI Solutions incorporating proprietary 3D vision, artificial intelligence software, and industry-proven soft grasping to address the most pressing problem plaguing the food industry—the inability to meaningfully automate operations. SoftAI changes the game by augmenting traditional industrial robots with true hand-eye coordination unlocking their use in most labor dependent processes. This technological innovation will finally drive broad scale adoption of automation resulting in a more resilient food supply chain that produces safer products at higher volumes with reduced waste and lower operational costs. 617-391-0612

Key Technology introduced its VERYX 2.0 line of digital sorters at PACK EXPO 2021. Featuring a new mechanical layout, next-generation LED illumination, enhanced laser scanner technology, new powerful software driven by artificial intelligence, and more, VERYX 2.0 advances high performance sorting of food products. VERYX 2.0 eases use, reduces operating costs, and improves the accuracy of foreign material and defect removal to optimize product quality and maximize yield.

Anysort U.S.A. showcased its new cloud-based sorting machine at PACK EXPO 2021, with Hawk-Eye recognition technology and shape sorting automation for inshell walnuts and peanuts, the TK64, and its infrared color sorter with Hawk-Eye recognition technology for kernels of walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios, the VR164+. Offering its award-winning cloud quality sorting acumen, the TK64 presents high-dimensional material fingerprint perception technology, high-definition image acquisition, and bud location analysis technology. Its multi-dimensional algorithm represents the trinity of color sorting, shape sorting, and impurity recognition with remarkable accuracy. 916-372-2227

ROSS Ribbon Blenders custom-built for multi-phase mixing now come with an optional pressure feed vessel. Wherein minor liquid ingredients must be thoroughly blended into powder or other solids, a pressure feed vessel enables 100 percent discharge of the liquid component through a spray bar and into the blending zone, ensuring even mixing and consistent batches. In lieu of manually pouring liquids through an open blender cover or safety grating, utilizing a pressure feed vessel and spray bar facilitates liquid addition while the blender is closed, minimizing dusting and safety issues. The spray bar typically includes four or more spray nozzles so that liquids are uniformly distributed along the entire length of the blender. The pressure feed vessel eliminates the need for a pump to deliver liquids to the spray bar. 631-234-0500

Flexicon has introduced a new line of anti-slip access platforms to reach elevated process equipment safely, eliminating the need for ladders, scissor lifts, and forklift cages. The modular system includes braced frames which can be bolted to the floor, 48 in. square (1220 mm square) deck sections, and stairways with elevations up to 96 in. (2.4 m). Upper grab rails and mid-height rails bolted to stairway stringers and deck perimeters, together with auto-closing hinged safety gates and anti-slip grating on treads and decks, maximize personnel security. Control panels can be mounted to the braced frame, allowing operation of equipment at various elevations. 888-353-9426

Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection has launched a next-generation series of metal detection systems that deliver a fresh dimension to the food inspection market: digital inspection designed specifically for small and medium-size manufacturers and/or co-packers. The modular design of the fully integrated system can be adapted over time in line with evolving compliance and productivity needs. This positions the M30 R-Series GC as an ideal entry-level metal detection solution for manufacturers who value high performance with future-proof flexibility built in. The new metal detections system's digital platform, SENSE, combined with advanced algorithms, makes it possible for these entry-level models to deliver high sensitivity to all metal contaminant types with minimal false rejects.