Chef Robotics Releases Multi-Deposit Feature to Double Throughput in Food Production
Chef Robotics has recently unveiled an innovative “multi-deposit” feature that promises to significantly boost throughput in food production lines. Traditionally, Chef robots were equipped to handle only one utensil at a time, performing single-portion placements for meal assembly. With the new multi-deposit configuration, a single Chef robot can simultaneously utilise two or even three utensils, enabling it to deposit multiple portions into different trays in one cycle.
This advancement effectively doubles the throughput compared to the older single-deposit setup, enabling the robots to reach speeds of 30 trays or more per minute, versus the previous 15-20 trays per minute. The system is designed to pick an ingredient once and distribute it across multiple trays before returning to replenish, amortising the pick-and-place time efficiently. This upgrade allows Chef robots to match and potentially replace the output of human workers on assembly lines, delivering what is described as the world’s first 1:1 worker equivalent in food robotics.
In addition to its mechanical innovation, Chef’s team has developed sophisticated AI-powered software to manage the complexities involved. Their system accounts for variations in ingredient levels inside containers and uses predictive modelling to time tray arrivals accurately, handling occlusions in the camera view and ensuring consistent portion sizes across all trays. Several food manufacturers focusing on fresh prepared meals have already integrated this feature, reporting increased efficiency without compromising the consistency and quality of food assembly.
This multi-deposit feature illustrates Chef Robotics’ commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics to modernise and optimise food manufacturing, helping companies scale production while maintaining high standards.
