Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV
Automation of food production
Forward-looking food production: innovations in raw materials, automation, and digitalization
Food production is facing profound challenges: increasing product diversity, shorter innovation cycles and pressure to use resources sustainably require flexible, efficient solutions. We develop adaptive systems that enable demand-driven, efficient production processes with the help of innovative inline sensor technology and AI-supported process control. The aim is to continuously optimize quality, efficiency, and resource utilization.
Another focus of our research is the industrial development of alternative raw materials such as insects and algae. We not only support technological developments, but also automate breeding and processing methods – hygienically, scalably, and economically.
Our expertise in special machinery construction enables the implementation of highly specialized, hygienic production facilities for established and novel consumer goods. In addition, we develop customized inline sensor solutions that deliver precise process data, enabling data-driven production optimization.
Furthermore, we design individual test benches for quality assurance and process validation – precisely tailored to your requirements. Our technologies can be used across industries, for example also in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Rely on our system expertise to make your production future-proof, flexible, and competitive!
Machine-based processing of new foods – novel food processing
As a manufacturer of novel foods or functional food ingredients, are you facing the digital transformation of your plants? Are you struggling to find the skilled personnel you need to manufacture your products consistently, safely, and in reproducible quality? Or is the level of automation available for your specific applications not high enough to be economically competitive with conventional food production?
We offer the right solutions for precisely these problems!
With our interdisciplinary know-how, we combine innovative special machinery construction with our expertise in hygienic design and the development of highly integrated cleaning solutions. Together with us, you can achieve a safe and highly automated production even under the most demanding conditions.
In addition, the integration of advanced inline sensor technology opens up new possibilities for quality assurance and resource efficiency. By developing application-oriented sensor systems, we enable real-time monitoring and thus the adaptive design of the cultivation and breeding processes of raw materials for novel foods. This creates optimal growth conditions and minimizes resource consumption.
Let's work together to upgrade your processing methods!
Automation solutions in hygienic design
Automated processing solutions already exist for many food products. However, do you have a natural, shape-unstable product that still requires a lot of manual handling? Are you increasingly affected by staff shortages? Do you lack the appropriate components, assemblies, or system modules for implementation?
We master such challenges with our interdisciplinary expertise!
Working closely with you, we develop a technologically sophisticated, innovative, and safe solution that is precisely tailored to your specific needs. For example, we have used a patented process to implement the automated alignment and filling of antipasti for the first time, which previously had to be done manually, which was both time-consuming and labor-intensive.
In our developments, we combine innovative mechanical engineering with hygienic design and integrated cleaning solutions so that you can always produce safe products fully automatically, even under the most demanding conditions. We have been closely associated with the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) for around two decades and therefore have first-class, up-to-date expert knowledge in the field of hygienic design. The consistent implementation of hygienic design means that the resulting solution is easy to clean, reducing your workload (e.g., by eliminating the need for disassembly), saving time and resources during cleaning, and increasing process, product, and consumer safety.
Together, we develop the specific automation solution for your food production. Get in touch!
Sensors for monitoring process safety
Are you wondering how efficient and safe your production process really is? Are you looking for a suitable sensor technology to measure process data or contamination levels?
We are your partner for customized sensor technologies that are not only tailored to your specific requirements, but also combine functionality with hygienic design. This ensures seamless and uncomplicated integration into your processes.
To support the holistic automation of food production, seamless monitoring and control of production processes is crucial for efficiency, safety, and quality. With our innovative solutions, you can precisely record all relevant process parameters and states. In combination with our AI-supported analysis systems, our sensor systems form the perfect basis for an adaptive cleaning process.
For you, this means less contamination, resource conservation, and smooth production.
Together, we optimize your processing procedures – for greater efficiency and safety!
Customized test bench construction
Do you have a test procedure for which there is no reproducible method or adequate testing technology yet?
We build customized test benches for you that are precisely tailored to your production processes and quality standards. Our solutions take your specific needs into account and guarantee seamless integration.
Technical expertise: Our experienced team has extensive expertise in the fields of electronics, mechanics, and automation. We develop complex test benches that enable reproducible, precise measurements.
Quality assurance and efficiency: With our developments in test engineering, you can ensure the quality of your products. Automated test procedures enable efficient production monitoring and minimize scrap.