A pioneering robotics system which could dramatically change the way food is manufactured will be launched this month at the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) in the UK.

The Automated Processing Robotic Ingredient Loading (APRIL) ‘robotic chef’ system has been developed by OAL, a leading provider of process and automation solutions for the international food industry.

It is a fully automated robotic system that can mix, load and cook ingredients in a manner similar to professional chefs yet on an industrial scale, by using modern cooking and material handling technologies. APRIL is designed to boost production and efficiency, while improving the quality of food produced.

At a special launch event on Thursday 28th April 2016, the new technology will be unveiled to individuals and businesses from across the food industry.

Representatives from the University of Lincoln, OAL and KUKA Industrial Robots will outline developments in the use of robotics in food manufacturing and the event will also feature a full-scale demonstration of the system, which includes a five tonne industrial robot recently installed at our campus in Holbeach.

Mark Swainson, Lead for Food Manufacturing Research at the NCFM, said: “The nature of the processing and sheer scale of the APRIL system really sets it apart from other robotic manufacturing processes in the food sector and we are delighted to be working with OAL on this initiative here at the University of Lincoln.

“APRIL enables much more control over recipe management and recipe control of liquid food products on an industrial scale.

“With this new process we are looking to emulate the chef in the kitchen in a large-scale batch robotic environment, which brings with it many labour and product benefits.”

APRIL allows users to scale up the approach chefs use to prepare restaurant food, with typical applications including the production of soups, sauces and ready meals. The technology includes robotic cells which have a modular and flexible design that enables the system to easily switch between products.

OAL, which is headquartered in Peterborough, recently received a £60,000 grant from the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative to continue its development of the patented technology.

For more information on the system, visit www.aprilrobot.com.