Unlocking the Future of Bakery: Insights from Our Robotics Day

On October 24, we proudly launched our first Robotics Day at ABI, in partnership with ABB Robotics Canada. This groundbreaking seminar was an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to delve into the transformative role of robotics in bakery processes and to explore the numerous advantages it can bring in terms of product quality, consistency and industrial performance. 

Exploring the Potential of Robotics 

ABB Robotics kicked off the seminar by leveraging their extensive experience in the Robotics field to discuss how they are successfully penetrating various industries with their advanced robotic solutions. Nicolas Durand, VP & Managing Director at ABB Robotics Canada, also went through several customer cases to show various robotics applications to attendees. Following this, Alexandre GOASMAT, Product Manager and Felix PANG Customer Solution Engineer for ABI, stepped up to focus more specifically on how robotics can streamline bakery operations, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality. With over a decade of experience in the baking industry, they introduced innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges currently facing the sector including industrial performance, product quality and sustainability. 

Ensuring seamless robotics integration 

Implementing a robot in your bakery operations can be daunting and come with its own set of challenges. The ABI team outlined the essential steps for ensuring seamless integration into your existing processes. They insisted on how both customers and equipment integrators have to work together in order to make it work. A key focus was on ABB's Robot Studio tool, a powerful software that allows for robotic system simulations. This tool provides a 3D model of the robotic system, helping to anticipate any unknown variables and facilitating a smoother transition to automation. 

Live Demonstrations in Action 

One of the key features of Robotics Day was the live demonstrations showcasing state-of-the-art robotic systems. Participants had the chance to see these machines in action, gaining firsthand experience of how robotics can transform their baking practices.  

We extend our appreciation to all the participants and our partner ABB Robotics Canada for co-hosting this event with us. 

About: 

Since 1989, ABI has helped industrial bakeries across the globe decrease their operating costs, increase their yields, and make better food more efficiently. Based in Toronto, Canada, ABI is home to roughly 80 team members including a deep roster of engineering, technical, and production experts. With a satisfied network of customers across five continents, ABI is the leading designer and manufacturer of bagel make-up equipment and a pioneer in robotics for bakeries. ABI equipment produces many well-loved baked goods, from bagels to pretzels, pizzas to sweet goods. ABI prides itself on its robust design and build quality and continues to innovate around the “bakery of the future.” For more information: www.abiltd.com     

ABB Robotics as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics – become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. 

Time to Automate? Insights from Industry Leaders at the Bakery Showcase

On May 5th, the bustling city of Toronto played host to the Bakery Showcase, organized by Baking Association Canada. A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the timely and transformative topic of automation in the baking industry. Among the distinguished speakers was Alyson Slapkauskas, CEO of ABI, who brought her extensive expertise to the conversation. The panel gathered a diverse group of five industry professionals, including bakers, sales experts, operations managers, and executive leaders, each offering unique perspectives on the integration of automation within their respective domains.

Navigating Automation and Funding with Expert Help

One of the primary themes discussed was the pivotal role that consultants and suppliers play in the automation journey. The panel underscored the complexity of navigating automation technologies, particularly when coupled with the intricacies of grant funding. Alyson Slapkauskas emphasized that seeking expert guidance can demystify the process, ensuring that bakeries can leverage available financial support to implement cutting-edge technologies effectively. By partnering with knowledgeable consultants, bakery owners can make informed decisions that align with their operational goals and financial capabilities.

Flexibility Through Automation

The conversation then shifted to the flexibility that automation can bring to bakery operations. Automation isn't just about replacing human labor; it's about enhancing the ability to adapt and respond to market demands quickly and efficiently. Automated systems can handle a variety of tasks, from production to packaging, allowing bakeries to scale their operations and introduce new products with greater ease. This flexibility is crucial in an industry where consumer preferences and market conditions are constantly evolving.

Understanding Capacity and Limitations

An essential consideration before diving into automation is understanding the bakery’s actual capacity and limitations. The panelists stressed the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of existing operations to identify bottlenecks and areas that would benefit most from automation. By knowing their true capacity, bakeries can avoid over-investment in technologies that might exceed their needs or under-investment that could limit growth.

From Simple Tweaks to Complex Solutions

Automation in the baking industry can range from simple tweaks to complex systems. The panelists illustrated this spectrum with real-world examples, showing how some bakeries might only need minor adjustments like automated ingredient dispensers, while others might require full-scale robotic production lines. Alyson Slapkauskas highlighted that the key is to start with what makes sense for the specific bakery, allowing for incremental advancements that can be scaled up over time.

Reducing Physical strain and Human Error

A significant advantage of increased automation is the reduction of physical strain on your workforce. For example, rack management systems increase the efficiency and consistency of the otherwise labor-intensive process of loading and unloading racks. At the same time, these systems also dramatically improve employee safety by eliminating heavy lifting and repetitive motion. Automated systems are designed to perform repetitive tasks with high precision, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that can occur with manual processes. This not only improves product consistency and quality but also enhances overall operational efficiency.

Embracing Technology with Confidence

The panel concluded with a collective piece of advice: do your homework, but don’t be afraid to jump into technology. While the initial steps towards automation might seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges. By staying informed, seeking expert advice, and starting with manageable changes, bakeries can confidently embrace the future of automation.

In summary, the discussion at the Bakery Showcase highlighted that while automation presents both opportunities and challenges, the right approach can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, flexibility, and product quality. As Alyson Slapkauskas and her fellow panelists demonstrated, with careful planning and the right support, the journey towards automation can be a rewarding one for bakeries of all sizes.

Solve bread scoring challenges with advanced KATANA Robotic scoring system

Now more than ever, food manufacturers are facing multiple challenges. They must adapt to market demands for varied products of consistent quality while maintaining a high level of industrial performance and facing labor shortage challenges. With more than 35 years of experience in the bakery industry, ABI's experts understand the quality challenges of bakery manufacturers and hold the answers to these challenges.

The KATANA Scoring System is a complete flexible robotic scoring solution that combines unique End of Arm Tools with a precise 3D vision system as well as optimized robotic programming for the robot’s movement, and an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI). All these combined create the most comprehensive scoring system available in the marketplace. Thus, the KATANA Scoring System offers industrial bakers various scoring possibilities for a wide range of products with unrivaled precision and product consistency.

“With the KATANA scoring robot, scoring is becoming more than just the practical process of avoiding unsightly bursts that could occur during baking. Bakery manufacturers can make their creativity go further and use various product patterns to personalize products and bring unique offerings to the market,“ explains Felix PANG, Robotics Customer Solution Specialist at ABI.

The KATANA scoring solution offers several benefits: accurate scoring to improve productivity, the opportunity to score a wide range of products, and a user-friendly interface for easy use that doesn’t require any special prerequisites.

More product possibilities with the new waterjet scoring tool

In order to help bakeries meet market expectations for product diversity, the KATANA scoring system now integrates the waterjet scoring tool in addition to the ultrasonic plunge and drag blade options. Each tool meets a specific product requirement: the waterjet is dedicated to end-products, like baguettes or Viennese bread, while the ultrasonic drag blade adapts to stiffer doughs or doughs with inclusions, and the plunge blade is excellent for end-products, such as pretzels or breads. More flexible than ever, the KATANA scoring solution enables the scoring of a wide range of soft products and crusty breads, guaranteeing product quality and homogeneity.

Thanks to the addition of the waterjet scoring tool to the complete KATANA scoring system, bakers can provide more personalized solutions to differentiate their offers and meet the market demand for unique products. To create the perfect customized product, scoring parameters such as cut depth, cut angle, compound angle, and plow angle can be adjusted in the software. Coupled with the articulated arm of the robot movement, the high-pressure water stream of the new waterjet scoring tool enables complex angles and scoring patterns.

To guarantee the best product quality, both the ultrasonic technology of the drag and plunge blades and the waterjet tool have minimal contact with the dough. This doesn’t introduce any additional stress to the dough, preserving as much of the product integrity as possible.

ABI will be presenting the new EYE-Q Quality Control System powered by AI dedicated to the baking industry, at IBA

ABI, a leading supplier of bakery solutions including bagel production equipment, robotics and automation solutions, is pleased to unveil the new EYE-Q Quality Control System powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), dedicated to precise analysis of product quality criteria across different stages of production.

EYE-Q Quality Control System uses deep learning and artificial intelligence to offer insights into production issues and bottle necks by classifying, tracking, and trending defect statistics to support operators as they resolve issues rather than simply accepting or rejecting products.

Combining its powerful and accurate analysis engine with a customized easy-to-use dashboard, EYE-Q provides enhanced flexibility to handle the day-to-day variability of bakery production, enabling on-floor personnel to operate real-time monitoring and insights.

The system also offers operator guidance for swift troubleshooting, minimizing production losses, waste, and downtime.

Discover KATANA's latest addition: a Waterjet scoring tool for an even greater flexibility

Next-generation, versatile KATANA robot scoring solution now equipped with a waterjet scoring tool.

In an effort to help customers meet market expectations for product diversity, KATANA robot scoring will deliver more flexibility than ever with its new powerful waterjet scoring system.

Expanding on features including its ultrasonic plunge and drag blade options, the enhanced KATANA robot scoring solution enables the scoring of a wide range of soft products and crusty breads, guaranteeing product quality and homogeneity.

In addition, the KATANA robot scoring solution is particularly precise and reliable with integrated software developed by ABI, based on its deep industrial bakery sector knowledge.

IBA 2023: ABI to unveil innovations to address today’s bakery-pastry-pâtisserie sector challenges

ABI, a leading supplier of bakery solutions including bagel production equipment, robotics and automation solutions, is pleased to announce it will exhibit at IBA from October 22 to 26, 2023, in Munich, Germany (Hall B2, Booth 150).

Now more than ever, food manufacturers are facing multiple challenges. They must adapt to market demands for varied products of consistent quality while maintaining a high level of industrial performance amid a backdrop of energy challenges, labor shortages, lack of visibility on inflation and an increasing focus on environmental and social responsibility. To help their customers face these challenges, ABI will present its latest innovative solutions at IBA.

•  its KATANA multi-purpose robot scoring solution now offering a waterjet scoring tool.

• Eye-Q, its new AI-enabled complete quality control system, providing precise analysis of product quality criteria across different stages of production.

• ABI will exhibit at IBA alongside sister company MECATHERM, both subsidiaries of the TMG holding company.

Save the Date - Joins us at IBA in Munich, Germany

We are excited to welcome you to join us at the world’s leading baking industry trade show in Munich, Germany, October 22-26, 2023.

Come and learn how ABI can help you go beyond the line and  explore new possibilities.

Uncover valuable insights to help your business grow, including how to:

• Reach unparalleled product quality

• Accelerate your industrial performance

• Achieve your sustainability goals

Let our team of experts show you how our innovative equipment and technologies will help enable your success.

Alyson SLAPKAUSKAS joins ABI as new CEO

We are pleased to announce that Alyson SLAPKAUSKAS has joined ABI as new CEO on March 6, 2023. She will be reporting directly to Olivier SERGENT, TMG* President.

In her new role, Alyson SLAPKAUSKAS will be responsible for expanding and pursuing ABI’s growth strategy, especially in North America. With a main focus on robotics, Alyson will support the company’s mission with a strong customer-centric approach. She will play a pivotal role in further expanding ABI as a trusted partner that helps bakeries gaining a competitive edge and making baked goods more efficiently.

With over 20 years of operational leadership experience, Alyson is adept to managing complex products, diverse supply chain solutions, operations planning optimization and execution while developing high performance teams. Before joining ABI, Alyson was Corporate Senior Director, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement at Celestica. Alyson held roles across General Management, Direction of Operations, Pickering, and Production control. Thanks to these experiences, she will provide ABI with insight into their supply chain and Customer Experience

“With her vision and strong leadership experience, I am confident that Alyson will build upon the exceptional foundation that ABI has established to become the robotic, automation, & vision systems company of reference for industrial bakery.” said Olivier SERGENT, President of TMG.

*TMG, owner of MECATHERM, has acquired a majority stake in ABI in January 2021.

ABI Won Most Innovative Solution Award!

On December 13th, ABB Robotics hosted the 2022 value provider award ceremony where they rewarded partners from the Americas. 4 categories were presented: Sustainability, Outstanding Performance, Lifetime Achievement and Most Innovative Solution.

We are immensely proud and honored to announce ABI won Most Innovative Solution with Katana Scoring System.

Our robotic scoring solution combining video and an ultrasonic drag guarantees an extreme precision when cutting dough. Capable of scoring any type of bread, ABI word-class scoring solution Katana enables more flexibility and guarantees top-quality products on an industrial scale production.

Thanks to our trusted partner ABB robotics for this recognition and for hosting this event.