Newtech Intelligent Automation is set to showcase its latest robotic packing and ultrasonic cutting technologies at PPMA Show 2026, highlighting how digital twin technology can help bakery manufacturers introduce automation with greater flexibility and reduced installation time.
The company will present its new RoboPICK automated pick-and-place packing cell alongside its RoboSONIC Inline Vision system at Stand C112 during the exhibition, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 22-24 September.
RoboPICK has been developed for food manufacturers dealing with high product variety, multiple packaging formats and frequent changeovers. Bakery producers are among the sectors identified by Newtech as potential users of the system.
Built around an ABB FlexPicker robot, RoboPICK uses digital twin technology throughout the design and engineering process, allowing the complete production cell to be simulated virtually before the physical equipment is installed.
Using Digital Twins For Flexibility
Rather than building and testing a robotic cell solely on the factory floor, Newtech creates a virtual model of the system first.
Engineers can use the digital twin to simulate robot movements, check accessibility and reach, assess cycle times and validate the handling of products ranging from delicate bakery goods to packaged ready meals.
Potential collisions, tooling clashes and production inefficiencies can therefore be identified before components are manufactured, helping to reduce redesign requirements and support faster installation.
The technology can continue to provide benefits after commissioning. Because the virtual model mirrors the physical machine, manufacturers can trial changes such as new tray sizes, pack formats or seasonal products digitally before altering the production line.
Newtech says this can help reduce the downtime traditionally associated with line reconfiguration while giving manufacturers greater flexibility to respond to changing product requirements.
RoboPICK is available in a single configuration capable of handling up to 50 packs per minute, while a double configuration can reach up to 100 packs per minute.
The stainless-steel, food-safe cell incorporates an integrated vision system for pack detection and quality assurance and can handle boxed, flow-wrapped, tray-sealed and thermoformed products.
Precision Cutting For Bakery Products
Alongside RoboPICK, Newtech will demonstrate its RoboSONIC Inline Vision system, which combines an ABB six-axis robot with ultrasonic cutting and vision-guided product detection.
The technology can be used to accurately portion products including ciabatta, sandwiches and wraps, either as part of an existing conveyor line or within a standalone production cell.
For bakery manufacturers, ultrasonic cutting can provide greater control when portioning products that may be difficult to cut consistently using conventional blades, particularly where presentation, portion accuracy and reduced product deformation are important.
Newtech specialises in robotic and ultrasonic systems for bakery applications including cakes, cheesecakes, pastries, brownies, flapjacks and other tray-baked products.
The company says its simulation-first approach is intended to make robotic automation easier to adapt as manufacturers introduce new products and packaging formats.
By combining digital twin engineering, robotic handling, machine vision and ultrasonic cutting, Newtech is aiming to give bakery producers a more flexible route towards automation while helping reduce manual handling, improve consistency and maintain production efficiency as product requirements change.
