Newtech Brings Digital Twin Robotics to PPMA Show
Newtech Intelligent Automation launches RoboPICK, a digital twin-powered pick-and-place packing cell, alongside RoboSONIC Inline Vision at PPMA Show 2026, stand C112.
Our new RoboPICK packing cell headlines stand C112, showing food manufacturers how simulation-first engineering is changing the way robotic automation is designed, installed and reconfigured on the factory floor.
We’re heading to PPMA Show 2026 with a new addition to our robotics range built around digital twin technology – and a message for food manufacturers that automation no longer has to mean long lead times, disruptive installs, or inflexible lines.
The headline launch is RoboPICK, a compact automated pick-and-place packing cell designed to solve one of the fresh food industry’s toughest automation challenges: high SKU variety, diverse outer packaging, and frequent changeovers. Built around an ABB FlexPicker robot, RoboPICK is engineered using digital twin technology from the ground up – and it’s this capability, rather than the hardware alone, that marks a genuine step forward for automation adoption in the sector.
Two systems, one simulation-first approach
Alongside RoboPICK, we will also be demonstrating our RoboSONIC Inline Vision machine, which pairs an ABB 6-axis robot with ultrasonic cutting and vision-guided detection to portion sandwiches, wraps and ciabatta with precision – whether on a conveyor line or as a standalone cell.
Together, the two machines show how we are combining proven cutting technology with a new, simulation-first approach to designing and deploying robotics, giving food manufacturers automation that is faster to install, easier to reconfigure, and built to adapt as products and demand change.
RoboPICK at a glance
- Two configurations: single (up to 50 PPM) and double (up to 100 PPM)
- ABB FlexPicker robot with digital twin programming software
- Packs boxed, flow wrapped, tray sealed and thermoformed product
- Compact, food-safe cell in full stainless steel with integrated air filtration
- Inbuilt vision system for pack detection and quality assurance
- Compatible with full or half bale-arm crates, collapsible IFCO crates, and a wide range of box sizes
Why digital twin technology matters
Rather than building and testing a cell on the factory floor, our engineers create a virtual model of the complete system first – simulating robot movements, checking reach and accessibility, and validating product handling for everything from delicate bakery items to packaged ready meals. Collisions, tooling clashes and cycle-time inefficiencies are identified and resolved on screen, long before a single component is machined.
The result is a shorter design phase, fewer costly redesigns, and a faster, smoother installation once the physical machine arrives on site.
The real benefit for food manufacturers is what happens after commissioning. Because the digital twin continues to mirror the live machine, changeovers such as new tray sizes, new packaging formats and seasonal lines can be trialled virtually first, cutting the downtime that normally comes with reconfiguring a line. The same virtual environment lets us continually compare expected versus actual performance to keep optimising the machine throughout its working life.
Genuine food industry automation without losing flexibility
RoboPICK is designed for meat, poultry, food-to-go and bakery producers who need to automate manual packing into outer packaging without sacrificing the flexibility their operations depend on. It cuts manual labour requirements while allowing fast changeover between product types, with no lengthy re-engineering – sized to cover the vast majority of pack formats and outer packaging used across the food industry.
Whether a producer is taking their first steps into automation with an entry-level machine, or a large-scale operation is working with us to design a fully integrated bespoke solution, RoboPICK offers a scalable route in, backed by hygiene, reliability and seamless integration as standard.
See RoboPICK in person on stand C112 at PPMA Show 2026.
We will also be showcasing RoboPICK during the PPMA show at 10.30am on Thursday 24th September in the Live Demonstration Theatre, stand B100.
