Introducing robots and automation to the food industry involves extra hurdles.
In the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, the drive to automate food production puts pressure on AI providers to develop solutions with greater precision and adaptability. This drives demand for improved AI algorithms, particularly in machine vision and reinforcement learning, to address the complexities of handling natural and variable ingredients, and maintaining hygiene standards.
Food manufacturers need to invest in training programs to upskill their workforce to manage and maintain AI-driven robotic systems. Operationally, businesses should anticipate a transition period where traditional skills are complemented by new data analysis and AI oversight roles, focusing on areas where automation creates productivity and reduces waste. Businesses will need to invest in sensors for quality control of their raw materials.