Newtech Takes RoboPICK and Digital Twin Technology to the PPMA Live Demonstration Theatre
Newtech was one of just 11 exhibitors invited to present on the Live Demonstration Theatre at this year’s PPMA Show, giving visitors a close look at how digital twin technology is changing the way robotic automation is designed, installed and reconfigured in food factories.
Richard Smith, MD at Newtech took to the stage, whilst Luke Flynn demonstrated the machine from a video link to the stand. The RoboPICK is our newest addition to the Robo range, and the demonstration highlighted why a simulation-first approach matters to food manufacturers.
Discover the RoboPICK
RoboPICK is a compact, automated pick-and-place packing cell built to tackle one of fresh food’s toughest automation challenges: high SKU variety, diverse outer packaging and frequent changeovers.
Built around an ABB FlexPicker robot, it is available in two configurations: a single cell running at up to 50 packs per minute and a double cell reaching up to 100. It packs boxed, flow wrapped, tray sealed and thermoformed product, and it works with full or half bale-arm crates, collapsible IFCO crates and a wide range of box sizes.
The cell is built in full stainless steel with integrated air filtration, so hygiene is built in. An inbuilt vision system handles pack detection and quality assurance.
Why digital twin technology matters
The real story behind RoboPICK is how it’s engineered. Rather than building and testing a cell on the factory floor, our engineers create a virtual model of the complete system first. They simulate the robot’s movements, check reach and accessibility, and validate product handling for everything from delicate bakery items to packaged ready meals. Collisions, tooling clashes and cycle-time inefficiencies are found and fixed on screen, long before a single component is machined.
For food manufacturers, that means:
- A shorter design phase and fewer costly redesigns
- Faster, smoother installation once the machine arrives on site
- Less downtime at changeover, because new tray sizes, packaging formats and seasonal lines can be trialed virtually first
- Ongoing optimisation, as the digital twin continues to mirror the live machine and lets us compare expected and actual performance throughout its working life
Automation without losing flexibility
RoboPICK is designed for meat, poultry, food-to-go and bakery producers who want to automate manual packing without sacrificing the flexibility their operations depend on. It reduces manual labour while allowing fast changeover between products, with no lengthy re-engineering.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into automation or planning a fully integrated bespoke solution, RoboPICK offers a scalable way in.
Being part of the PPMA live programme
Being selected for the Live Demonstration Theatre was a great opportunity to show visitors how simulation-first engineering works in practice. We’d like to thank everyone who came along to watch, and the PPMA team for hosting such a well-run programme.
Missed the session? Watch the demonstration above, or get in touch to find out how RoboPICK could work on your line.
Call us on +44 (0) 1234 783 680 or email sales@newtech-ltd.co.uk.
