Hygienic design of robotic automation solution helps food companies to eliminate the risk of microbial contamination. In a four-part series of articles, we zoom in the best hygienic practices to design robotic automation solutions. In this third part we outline some general principles for hygienic design.

Hygienic design of robotic automation solution helps food companies to eliminate the risk of microbial contamination. In a four-part series of articles, we zoom in on the best hygienic practices to design robotic automation solutions. In this second part we address the risk and hazard analysis process as first step to take when you consider to introduce a robot in contact with food.

Friction between moving parts plays an important role in many applications. The lower the friction, the less energy is needed to move parts and the less wear and tear will occur. Research at Sirris has shown that applying small holes in sliding surfaces has a positive effect on friction behaviour.

What is the role of surface functionalities and, in particular, the role of textures, in the manufacturing industry in Belgium? That is the question we asked our member companies last summer with a view to rolling out a service on surface textures. The (concise) results are presented in this article.