The Rise of Automation in the Food Processing Industry

Tech

The emergence of automation in the food industry has been slower than in other industries. There are many reasons why this is so, but the one that’s most often cited is because food, unlike other products, differs greatly in its shape and consistency, presenting a formidable challenge for those looking to automate food processing systems.

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Traditional food processing systems

Traditional food manufacturing facilities are essentially just giant kitchens, with food prepared in much the same fashion as it was at home. Of course, larger companies were quick to see the benefits of automation where they could, for example with packaging and palletizing. However, advancements in ‘pick-and-place’ robot technology meant that food manufacturers could move automation further along, onto the production lines as well.

Even so, most such systems can only be installed on long-life, high-volume production lines. For smaller manufacturers it means they have been much slower in the move towards automation. They have faced challenges such as limited low-cost labor and expertise, market volatility, and a general consensus that the industry is unsuitable for automation.

However, faced with pressures such as the decline in the availability of low-cost labor, and a demand for assured hygienic products, automation has started to be looked at seriously.

Food manufacturing automation

Those driving forces have seen a rapid increase in the adoption of automation by the industry, that’s also been spurred by advancements in robotics and electromechanical systems that are better able to deal with the challenges of the food industry.

To begin with, automation in food production was focused at the end of the production line, with robot machines being used in the packaging products. Robots are perfect for this task, and this led to a demand for machines that could work further up the production line and fulfill pick-and-place tasks instead of humans.

That demand was met with the introduction of Delta robots, which are now built by several manufacturers. Delta Robots are designed to operate quickly, and can perform around 100 to 120 picks per minute on light payloads of 1 to 2 kilograms. Similar advances in technology have led to the development of flexible effectors that can reliably pick up most food products without damaging or contaminating them.

Future automation in food processing

In the coming years, food processing procedures won’t change much. However, the incidence of manual labor in the industry is all set to decline, as the market will be driven towards automation by outside market forces. One of the greatest difficulties the food processing industry faces is addressing the skills gap that automation will bring, such as finding enough skilled engineers to maintain the machines. As such, this demand for newer, skilled labor will ensure that manual laborers can move on to new opportunities.

 

SIAT Norway supplies a wide range of automated solutions and packaging machines. Read more on their homepage at www.siat.no

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How to Make Money While Sitting on Your Couch

Business Finance Freedom Channel Tech Travel

Work From Home

It’s everyone’s dream. Make money while sitting on your  couch. But it is not always easy to earn cash while sitting around in your bathrobe.  Here are some tips to help you find the dream job you can do from your sofa.
Work From Home
Utilize a Skill You Already Have
The best way to start earning money from home is to take advantage of skills you already have. Are you a natural writer or have experience doing so? Perhaps you could find a job as a copywriter. This is often a flexible position as far location and you could definitely find a gig that would allow you to work from your couch. Do you have experience in computer programming or design? Then you are in luck! Many tech industry positions often allow flexible work environments including working from home. Some other popular work from home industries are medical transcriptionists, call center operators, travel agents, and tech support staff. So look at your work history and maybe you are already qualified for one of these positions.

Make Use of the Global Economy
Maybe an at home  job may seem like a low pay rate but it is all relative. A small hourly rate in Manhattan could be a king’s ransom amount in a country like Vietnam. So if you can flexibility where you work, you are opening yourself up to a plethora of opportunities. A recent publicized trends of of “digital nomads” is highlight workers who are taking advantage of this and working abroad while making a U.S. salary. If you choose a low cost country to visit while working remotely, not only can you work from your couch but you can travel the world as well.

Do Your Homework
If a job is too good to be true, it likely is. Be skeptical of banner adds about retirees earning $100,000 a with nothing more than laptop. Check out legitimate job sites and referrals from people you know. There are plenty of work from home jobs but remember they are actual jobs that require actual work. You will still have to work just as hard as in the office, if not harder! Also, it is important to make sure working form home is for you. It’s not for everybody. Some people think working from home will be ideal but after a few weeks get bored or miss the routine. For some it is nice to get out of the house ever once in a while.

So whether you are looking for a little extra cash on the side or a full time career from the couch; if you do you research and are qualified you can find it. Make sure you have a strong internet connection and a fast laptop and update your resume. The next thing you know you could be logging 40 hours a week from the comfort of your couch.

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How to Choose an Online Masters Program

Education Freedom Channel Tech

Online Colleges

Furthering your education is a good idea, no one will argue with that and getting one online makes it that much easier. Whether you are choose an online masters degree for the pure joy of learning or it is solely for business, here are some tips on how to choose an online masters degree.
Online Colleges
Accreditation
The first and most important rule for getting an online masters degree is to make sure it as accredited college. For brick and mortar colleges it can be easier to tell their credentials but in the online realm it can be difficult to tell. Even if the website lists that they are accredited it is best to double check before writing your check. The Department of Education’s website is a great tool for checking the credentials of an online college.

Cost
Can you afford the college? Can you afford your program? These are important questions to answer before enrolling in a course. You want to make sure you are a successful and the cost is maintainable. Also, if you are getting your masters solely for finical gain, make sure you compare the potential financial rewards with the cost of your education. Get your desired Master’s degree with professional essay writers from Thepensters.com.

Time
Make sure you are clear on how long your program will take and if this is a commitment you are willing to make. Depending on your course load, many programs can take from 2-5 years. Are you ready to sign up for this long? Does it make sense finically?  You want to ensure you will finish your program so be realistic in your timelines and scheduling. You don’t want to over burden yourself but you also want to get your degree in a timely fashion.

Credit Transfers
It is important to check if you existing credits and degree can transfer and make you eligible for the masters program. This will save you both time and money. You also want ensure your masters degree will allow for you to further advance your degree if choose to pursue a second masters or a Phd.

Is Online For You?
Online masters degree programs offer a convenience and flexibility not offered in a traditional program but is this what you want? Some students still prefer the in class and in person experience. Depending on your area of study in person or online may make more sense. Remember, just because a program is offered online doesn’t mean it is the best way to learn the subject or that is right for you.
Getting your online masters degree is a big commitment of both time and money so make sure you do your homework before enrolling. Find an area of study that works for you and start applying for programs. So break out your laptop and good luck with your studies!

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The Best Laptops of 2016

Freedom Channel Shopping Tech

Best laptop 2016

There are dozens of top notch laptops on the market right now and 2016 is an exciting year for technology. Whether you want to play games, get creative, or simply take notes; here are some of the best laptops of 2016. Take a look and find the piece of tech that best suites your needs and budget.

Macbook
Best laptop 2016
Long a favorite of the creative industry and those with the cash, Apple’s Macbook line which includes the Macbook, Macbook Air, and Macbook Pro will continue to dominate 2016. Apple leads in the fields of consumer satisfaction, durability, and ease of use. The latest Mac OS “El Capitan” has slaughtered bridged the divide between mobile and desktop experience, offering users with iPads and iPhones a seamless transition between the devices, you can even continue conversations and emails from one device to the other. Offering unique designs and retina displays for those who have the cash Apple’s line will not disappoint. With new Macbooks rumored to be launching this Spring, Apple is set to continue wowing users with its high-end line.

Alienware
For the gamer on the go, Alienware’s line of gaming laptops is second to none. With mind-blowing graphics cards and exclusive features such as 4k displays, this line will give you desktop quality graphics wherever you are. Now with Windows 10, powered by quad-core Intel i7 chips, there isn’t much these machines can’t do. With competitive pricing, Alienware is accessible to many types of gamers.  Though not as stylish and portable as many other laptops in its price range, the Alienware line makes up for it with extreme power and versatility. This laptop will handle your school work and the latest first person shooter.

Microsoft Surface
In the field of 2-in-1 laptops/tablets, the Microsoft Surface 4 is at the top. With impressive specs and the brand new Windows 10, Microsoft has refined the 2-in-1 this round. The Surface 4 is ideal for work, light gaming, and education. Along with the new operating system, the latest Surface offers a sharper and larger screen as well as an improved type cover. The ability to run the complete Microsoft Office Suite, is a major advantage as both a tablet and a laptop. The real highlight is having the ease of a tablet with the power of a laptop. No other piece of tech on this list is easier to take with you on your 2016 vacation or while waiting at the bus stop.

So whether you want a high-end Macbook Pro that can handle pretty much anything you through at it or a 2-in-1 laptop you can throw into your bag on the go, 2016 is a great year to buy a laptop. As always be sure you do your homework to make sure you buy one of the best laptops of 2016.

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