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Accupak will bring a Kawasaki duAro dual-arm collaborative robot (cobot) to stand C200 at AUSPACK 2019.

The duAro has two arms which reach horizontally and move as a pair. According to AccuPak, this means the cobot can easily perform operations similar to those of a person using both arms within a one-person space.

It is also safe to operate around humans thanks to its collision detection systems and a function that slows it down when near a person, the company says, adding that because of these features, it can be reliably operated in tandem with human workers.

The robot is controlled by a single controller which makes it possible to perform coordinated movement, and direct teaching methods can be used to teach required movements by holding and moving the arms rather than having to program them in.

At an average cost of $50-75,000 per unit including vision system and systems integration work, the purchase of a cobot is within reach for most small and mid-sized enterprises, claims AccuPak.

The company will also exhibit a WIPOTEC-OCS HC-A checkweigher and a twin Fortress Stealth metal detector “combo” machine.

Food & Drink Business

More than 80 distillers from across New South Wales and the ACT will meet in Sydney on 25 November for the inaugural NSW & ACT Distillers Conference, where the industry will formally launch Spirits NSW.

The federal government has announced the inaugural members of the National Food Council, the first step in developing its national food security strategy, Feeding Australia. The council includes representatives from across the food system and will play an advisory role to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister.

Queensland foodservice wholesaler Prime Cut Meats has been acquired by Andrews Meat Industries (AMI), the family-managed business that forms part of JBS Australia. The move expands AMI’s protein supply capabilities in Queensland and northern New South Wales.