AMR4FOOD | Autonomous mobile robots for the food industry

Bringing efficiency and safety to food production with mobile robots

AMR4FOOD supports food companies in exploring and assessing the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMR and AGV) for internal logistics. The project focuses on technical feasibility, food-specific challenges, and the impact on work organisation.

Context

In the food industry, many logistics tasks between production steps are still performed manually, such as delivering packaging materials or moving racks with food products. In the manufacturing industry, autonomous vehicles are already used to automate repetitive, low value-added tasks. This technology is also present in food warehouses under standard conditions, but production environments with food products present additional challenges. Only a limited number of vehicles are certified for use in food production. Operating in conditions with moisture, contamination, or low temperatures remains difficult. On top of this, employee acceptance and adaptation play a crucial role in successful implementation. AMR4FOOD addresses these challenges and provides companies with the insights they need to make informed decisions.

Objectives & results

AMR4FOOD aims to help food companies explore the relevance of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in their specific production environment. The project pursues four concrete goals:

1. Provide a clear picture of the current market, with solutions that are certified and applicable in food production.
2. Map out the main technological, organisational and social barriers that companies encounter when introducing AMR.
3. Develop practical tools, including a demonstrator and an implementation roadmap, to support decision-making and reduce risks.
4. Raise awareness among a broad group of stakeholders through targeted communication and live demonstrations.

Key results:

Key results include updated knowledge, sector-specific business cases, and a demonstrator that can serve as an example of an Industry 4.0 production environment for the food industry.

Approach

To reach these goals, AMR4FOOD combines desk research with field validation in companies.

1. A market study reviews the latest AMR technologies and assesses their applicability in food environments. Input from the steering group ensures that realistic industry challenges are addressed.
2. Company cases in both food and manufacturing settings highlight technological, organisational and human factors influencing adoption.
3. A demonstrator shows how robots can handle food-specific conditions such as hygiene, humidity or low temperatures.
4. A roadmap is developed to guide implementation, covering technical, social and financial aspects.
5. A communication and demonstration programme makes the findings accessible for companies at different levels of digital maturity.

Target group

The project targets all Flemish food companies with intensive internal logistics, such as industrial bakeries, meat processing companies and ready-meal producers and others. Technology providers, including machine builders, integrators, software developers and consultants, are also part of the target group. Companies can actively contribute by joining the project’s steering group.

Funding

• Funding agency: VLAIO – with support of Flanders’ FOOD
• Project type: COOCK+
• Contract number: HBC.2025.0207
• Funding level: 100% subsidised

External links

• Flanders’ FOOD cluster page