Kronen secures patent for robotic avocado processing

GERMANY – Kronen, a leading producer and supplier of food processing equipment, has been granted a patent for its innovative method and equipment for pitting and peeling avocados.

This achievement marks a significant advancement in the automation of avocado processing, offering a solution that is both efficient and gentle on the sensitive fruit.

In April, Kronen delivered its first robotic solution for avocado processing, showcasing it at prominent industry exhibitions like Fruit Logistica and Anuga FoodTec.

The patented technology, developed in collaboration with the German Institute of Food Technology (DIL), uses specialized tools to pit and peel avocados automatically.

This method addresses the challenges posed by the delicate nature of ripe avocados, which have traditionally required manual handling.

“Automated avocado processing has always been a complex task due to the fruit’s sensitivity,” said Benjamin Keske, Project Manager at Kronen.

“Our solution combines years of expertise in handling delicate food products with innovative robotic technology, resulting in a high-yield, efficient process.”

The patented method is a key component of Kronen’s Robot Avocado Line, which employs one to three robots to halve, pit, and peel avocados.

This automated line ensures consistent processing quality and hygiene, reducing the strain on workers’ wrists caused by repetitive manual tasks. Additionally, the automation addresses the growing shortage of skilled labor in the food processing industry.

The Robot Avocado Line includes grabbers specially designed to handle the unique shape and texture of avocados.

These grabbers, developed in the joint research project with DIL, are mounted on Stäubli robots that perform the processing steps either consecutively or in parallel, depending on the number of robots used.

Kronen’s success in obtaining the patent is a testament to its extensive research and development efforts. “We incorporated our deep knowledge of avocado properties and processing into the robotic tools and steps,” Keske explained.

“By testing and optimizing, we created a solution that meets industry demands for automated, gentle handling of avocados.”

The robotic line uses a conveyor belt to transport avocados to a measuring station, which then sends data to the robot to adjust the grabbing and peeling processes for each fruit.

The robot uses its grabber to pick up the avocado, move it to the pitting unit, and then peel it, ensuring minimal waste and high efficiency.

The strong interest from industry players worldwide and the patent approval demonstrate that Kronen has effectively addressed a critical need in the food processing sector.

The Robot Avocado Line offers companies that handle large quantities of avocados a reliable, automated processing solution that ensures both quality and efficiency.

As the demand for automated food processing solutions grows, Kronen’s patented technology positions the company at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

With continued research and development, Kronen aims to expand its offerings and further enhance its robotic processing capabilities.

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