Collaborative Robots as an Engineering Tool for the Transition of the Food Industry to Industry 5.0

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Abstract
The article examines the application of collaborative robots (cobots) as a modern engineering tool for the transformation of the food industry following the principles of Industry 5.0. A conceptual engineering model has been developed that integrates collaborative robots with IoT systems, digital twins, and predictive analytics to increase the flexibility, safety, and sustainability of production processes. The proposed model is validated through a practical case study focused on a yogurt packaging line in the dairy sector, where cobot systems demonstrate a significant improvement in operational efficiency and process safety. A step-by-step strategic roadmap is presented to guide industrial enterprises through the various stages of implementation, from the initial assessment to the full-scale integration of solutions. Additionally, a comparative analysis has been performed between traditional automated systems and the integrated approach with collaborative robots, which highlights the technological, economic, and human-oriented advantages of the latter. The results of the study confirm that collaborative robotics offers an effective and applicable path for transforming the food and beverage industry towards a sustainable, adaptive, and human-centered manufacturing ecosystem characteristic of Industry 5.0.
Funding Information
  • European Regional Development Fund within the OP “Research, Innovation and Digitalization Programme for Intelligent Transformation 2021-2027” (BG16RFPR002-1.014-0005)
  • Project CoC “Smart Mechatronics, Eco- and Energy Saving Systems and Technologies” (BG16RFPR002-1.014-0005)

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