Machinery & Equipment

Metal detector Vistus with conveyor is designed for demanding environments and continuous use. (Image source: Minebea Intec)

Leading manufacturer of industrial weighing and inspection technologies, Minebea Intec will be showcasing a wide range of products at ProPak Indonesia 2024, ranging from entry-level products to premium solutions, specifically tailored to the needs of the packaging industry

With foreign object detection being a major concern in the packaging industry, Minebea Intec is delighted to display its advanced metal detector Vistus at the event. With its user-friendly interface, the device ensures maximum product safety through its high sensitivity, precision, and seamless integration into existing production lines, thereby minimising false rejections. This makes the product an indispensable solution for efficient quality assurance in the packaging industry.

Specifically developed for bulk material applications, the Vistus technology which stands out with its modular design enables seamless integration into existing production facilities, while also allowing reliable detection of metallic contaminants in free-falling products, such as powders or granules, prior to being processed or packaged. Moreover, the device has an automatic reject flap that safely removes contaminated from the production process without interrupting material flow, thus making the free-fall system Vistus an indispensable component for manufacturers striving to achieve the highest standards in product safety.

The WMC6 checkweigher is one among the many highlights at ProPak Indonesia 2024. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries, the device fully complies with international regulatory stndards including GLP, GMP and many others, making it a trusted choice for ensuring product quality and consistency. This device is particularly ideal for dynamic production environments where speed and accuracy are paramount. Moreover, it also offers exceptional precision, making it suitable for numerous checkweighing applications. 

The WMC6 also meets international hygiene standards. The fact that it is easy to clean, makes it particularly suitable for use in industries where cleanliness is crucial, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals. The 10-inch color touch screen and industrial PC enhance the reliability of the production process, providing real-time product status charts that allow operators to respond intuitively to production dynamics. Additionally, the online help system makes the WMC6 user-friendly and easy to operate.

"A particular highlight at our booth will be the versatile Midrics weighing platform with load capacities ranging from 3 kg to 3 t, available in durable stainless steel," said sales director of South East Asia, Kevin Yiu. "The scale is equipped with the reliable weighing indicator Midrics and optionally offers a battery-operated mode for increased flexibility."

Weighing platforms, as offered by Minebea Intec also ensure product quality, reduce material waste and help comply with regulatory requirements. Additionally, Minebea Intec's product range includes load cells, vessel and silo scales, state-of-the-art X-ray and visual inspection systems, as well as automatic pricing systems. Starting from initial consultation to planning and commissioning, the company not only offers high-quality weighing and inspection solutions, but also supports customers throughout the entire project planning process. 

ProPak Indonesia will take place from 4-6 September at the Jakarta International Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Fully automated cherry truss tomato harvesting robot 'Artemy.' (Image source: DENSO)

DENSO CORPORATION and its group company, Certhon Build BV have designed an innovative robot that can perform a series of cherry truss tomato harvesting tasks in a fully automatic manner

The fully automated cherry truss tomato harvesting robot, Artemy can perform a series of cherry truss tomato harvesting tasks:

• Automatic Harvesting Function: It automatically runs on a running lane and uses AI to determine the ripeness of cherry truss tomatoes. Only ripe tomatoes are selected, and cherry truss tomato peduncles are cut using scissors attached to the top of the harvesting robot arm and stored in the loaded crates.
• Automatic Lane Change Function: Artemy uses sensing technology to recognise obstacles in the path and the running lane to which it is traveling so it can move safely and accurately to adjacent running lanes even in trackless environment. 
• Automatic Crates Replacement: Artemy automatically replaces a full crate.
• Automatic Crates Transfer: When all six crates are loaded, Artemy automatically moves to the trolley where the empty crates are placed and replaces all the crates at once. 

Since Artemy has replaceable batteries, it can run for longer periods without down time for charging. It is also equipped with a cluster and a peduncle detection LED to achieve a highly accurate harvest under direct sunlight during the day and under supplemental lighting during the night. These functions enable continuous operation throughout the day and night, helping increase operational efficiency, address potential labour shortages and significantly reduce heavy work for farmers.

“DENSO's expertise in mobility and manufacturing, encompassing image recognition, safe driving, and robotics, is integrated into all of Artemy's operations, from the automatic harvesting of cherry truss tomato to the automatic lane changes," said DENSO's senior executive officer in charge of the Food Value Chain Business Development Division, Hidehiro Yokoo. "Going forward, DENSO will continue to combine its technology with Certhon's cultivation know-how and horticulture technology to achieve the stable production that DENSO and Certhon aim for worldwide, making it possible for ‘Growing anything, anywhere. For everyone.'”

The focus on ventilation, structural integrity, and ease of handling reflects a dedication to humane treatment and high-quality outcomes. (Image source: Walker Poultry Trailers)

Leading provider of specialised transport solutions for the poultry industry, Walker Poultry Trailers, highlights the critical role that well-designed poultry trailers play in ensuring animal welfare during transport

Founder of Walker Poultry Trailers, Dwayne Walker emphasises the significance of using advanced poultry live haul trailers to maintain high standards of animal welfare. Properly designed poultry trailers are essential in minimising stress and ensuring the humane treatment of birds throughout the journey.

A number of factors including ventilation, structural integrity and stability and easy loading and unloading are all key features that promote animal welfare. Firstly, adequate ventilation is crucial for maintaining proper airflow within the trailer. This helps prevent heat stress and suffocation, especially in warm climates. Secondly, the design of poultry trailers must ensure the structural integrity and stability of the transport units. This includes sturdy construction, appropriate spacing, and secure enclosures to prevent injury and overcrowding. Thirdly, trailers with well-designed ramps, adjustable heights, and non-slip surfaces facilitate the safe movement of birds.

The use of specialised poultry trailers offers several benefits to poultry companies, particularly in terms of animal welfare and operational efficiency. Dwayne Walker notes that the primary goal is to ensure that birds arrive at their destination in good condition, which directly impacts the quality of the end product. 

By providing a stable and controlled environment, poultry trailers help reduce mortality rates during transport. This not only supports animal welfare but also minimises financial losses associated with bird fatalities. Maintaining optimal conditions during transport helps preserve the health and quality of the birds. This is crucial for poultry companies aiming to deliver high-quality products to the market. The use of advanced poultry trailers aligns with industry regulations and animal welfare standards, which is increasingly important as consumers and regulatory bodies demand higher standards of animal care. Efficient loading and unloading processes, coupled with reduced stress on birds, streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

The focus on ventilation, structural integrity, and ease of handling reflects a dedication to humane treatment and high-quality outcomes. In conclusion, the role of poultry trailers in ensuring animal welfare during transport cannot be overstated. The right equipment not only safeguards the well-being of birds but also enhances the efficiency and reputation of poultry companies.

Brawijaya lecturer Dr Rita Parmawati with the organic mulch tape from banana waste, water hyacinth and paitan leaf. (Image source: ANTARA/HO-Universitas Brawijaya)

An organic mulch tape developed by Dr Rita Parmawati, a lecturer from the Faculty of Agriculture of Brawijaya University has helped suppress weed growth, while also reducing soil surface evaporation rate

The mulch tape is made from banana waste, water hyacinth and paitan leaves. According to Dr Parmawati, the new technology will be applied at the start of the second planting season in Malaka District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), where an abundance of banana waste can be found. Mulch tape offers a myriad of benefits which include suppressing weed growth and reducing surface evaporation by up to 40%. Moreover, sun exposure enables the organic mulch to decompose into fertiliser. 

The mulch tape application process is currently being carried out on a laboratory scale and is at the socialisation stage with the Regent of Malaka Regency, several farmer groups, and heads of departments in Malaka District. According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Malaka District experiences low agricultural growth, with rice productivity in the area decreasing from 2020-2022 due to issues in the supply of rice seeds as well as other problems involving weeds, evaporation, soil temperature, and irrigation systems.

Dr Parmawati explained why organic mulch tape is an efficient substitute for plastic mulch which is considered environmentally unfriendly due to its inability to decompose. "The disadvantages of using plastic mulch are reduced plant growth and yields, increased pest attacks, greater microplastic contamination, waterlogging, loss of soil structure, and reduced activity of soil microorganisms," Parmawati said.

She further highlighted that they would be going to the district at the end of July where they would be working with the PT Widjaya Teknik Indonesia (Witech) factory to make mulch tape for 10 hectares of land. Moreover, they would also be lending a hand to the local community with organic mulch tape preparation, starting with the introduction of materials, chopping, making tape pulp, drying, and pressing.