WMH has developed an advanced robotic pick-and-place system designed to improve the handling of delicate cakes while increasing consistency and reducing product waste on automated bakery lines.
The Caterpillar Cake Pick and Place System was created for a leading UK manufacturer of pre-packed cakes and baked goods and has now been shortlisted in the Innovative Processing System category at the Automate UK 2026 Awards.
The solution automates a process that previously required skilled manual handling, using robotics and specially developed food-safe tooling to transfer cakes accurately through the production process without compromising their appearance or structure.
Automating Delicate Product Handling
At the heart of the system are two Mitsubishi industrial robots equipped with bespoke food-safe grippers developed specifically for the application.
The robots gently pick individual cakes directly from the production line before positioning them accurately onto cake boards that have already been dosed with chocolate ganache. From there, the products continue towards final retail packaging.
Handling decorated cakes automatically presents particular challenges because manufacturers need to maintain throughput without damaging soft products, coatings or decorations. The design of the end effectors therefore plays an important role in ensuring the product can be lifted and transferred securely while minimising physical contact.
According to WMH, the system has been designed to improve product consistency, handling and overall production efficiency while reducing the risk of damaged cakes and associated waste.
The project reflects a wider move towards robotics in bakery production, where automated systems are increasingly being used for repetitive tasks including product alignment, pick-and-place operations, tray handling, cutting and end-of-line packing.
WMH says robotic technology can provide manufacturers with greater flexibility when production lines need to accommodate multiple product configurations, while also supporting increased accuracy and faster changeovers.
Increasing Bakery Line Efficiency
Beyond the individual cake-handling application, the technology demonstrates how automation can be introduced into production stages that have traditionally depended heavily on manual labour.
For bakery manufacturers, maintaining product quality during transfer and packing is particularly important because damage at the end of the production process can result in otherwise saleable products being rejected.
WMH develops automated packing systems covering applications including robotic pick-and-place, tray and card denesting, product stacking and automated feeding into cartoners and flow wrappers. Its bakery applications also include systems for handling products such as bread rolls, pasties, slices and pies.
The company designs its machinery for food production environments, with hygienic construction intended to facilitate washdown and minimise areas where product debris can accumulate.
WMH said recognition from Automate UK reflects the engineering and technical work involved in developing the Caterpillar Cake Pick and Place System, as well as the collaboration required between machinery suppliers and manufacturers when automating complex handling processes.
The award shortlisting also coincides with WMH’s 50th year in business. Established in 1976 and based in Callington, Cornwall, the company specialises in bespoke automation systems for food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, covering areas including robotic handling, conveyor systems, oven loading and unloading and end-of-line packing.
