German machinery group Kronen will use next month's Fruit Logistica in Berlin to display its new Smart Machines and demonstrate what 'Industry 4.0' can look like in the fresh-cut sector.
In addition, Kronen will introduce a new thermal washing process, the result of a research project, that allows gentle disinfection without any additives and increases shelf-life.
Industry 4.0
According to Kronen, Industry 4.0 is a topic covering all different kinds of industries, and it has actually become a reality in many areas already, covering the interconnectivity of machines in production.
Machines need to be web-enabled, and usually they are connected through a Wi-Fi network. By using the internet connection the machines are able to communicate and transfer information about the machinery condition and the production status to a central location in real-time, while also receiving instructions.
The data is collected in a cloud for example and is visible for the user via a personal computer or mobile device. Furthermore, an entire production chain can be interconnected, so all the different machines within a processing line can communicate.
'Industry 4.0 solutions provide the chance to make a production more efficient, for example in regards to productivity, flexibility, quality and safety,' the group stated. 'Besides, predictive maintenance can help to prevent breakdowns as well as costs which occur when production stops. Another benefit of interconnecting several machines is that cable links can be reduced, which has a positive effect on cleaning and hygiene too.
Fruit Logistica
Kronen will present its Industry 4.0 solutions at Fruit Logistica to a broader audience for the first time. Several of the company's machines are available as web-enabled version as of now, and these so-called 'Smart' versions will be displayed at the trade show.
Among others the belt-cutting machine GS 10-2 Smart and the washing machine Deconwa Smart will be demonstrated.
Furthermore, visitors will be able to see how the interconnection of several machines works and thus, how a “Smart Factory” can be realised in the Fresh-cut sector.
In addition to these two world premieres, Kronen will show a range of developments, such as the new versions of spin-dryer KS-100 Plus, disinfection lock UVC-Lock or of the drying system BDS 3000/800.
Proven systems wil also be on display, such as the belt-cutting machine GS 20, vegetable spiral cutting machine Spirello 150 or pineapple and melon peeling machine AMS 220.
For the first time, the newly developed apple peeling machine AS 6 - for peeling, coring, wedging and slicing apples - will be introduced.
Live machinery demonstrations will be again accompanied by the popular “Live Cooking”, where visitors to the KRONEN stand can be inspired by fresh-cut delicacies hand-made by chefs Wolfgang Blum and Andreas Eigner.
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