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Technical Reports November 2024

Maximum process reliability for the protein source of the future

For more than 30 years, the SCHUNK PGN-plus-P gripper has been the most versatile gripper on the market, and is constantly finding new applications. A current and unusual application example is the use in the automated production of animal feed from insect larvae in Austria.
SCHUNK – Optinatura The demands placed on the gripper in the automated breeding of insect larvae are many and diverse: in particular, repeat accuracy and the safe picking up and setting down of the trays present a challenge. However, the most important prerequisite for using a gripper system is ensuring process reliability and stroke monitoring of the gripper.

Optinatura Feed GmbH, a start-up company from St. Martin im Mühlkreis, breeds black soldier fly larvae to replace soy and fishmeal in animal feed. Insects are rich in protein and nutrients, making them a natural and environmentally friendly source of protein for the animal feed industry.

The use of insect larvae in pet food is not only a sustainable choice, but also promises healthy animals and therefore high-quality food for us all.

However, breeding larvae on a large scale for animal feed production poses many challenges. Breeding conditions, such as temperature, humidity and feeding, must be carefully monitored and controlled. These complex requirements must be taken into account when it comes to automating the processes.

High repeat accuracy and process reliability

The demands placed on the gripper in the automated breeding of insect larvae are many and diverse: in particular, repeat accuracy and the safe picking up and setting down of the trays present a challenge. However, the most important prerequisite for using a gripping system is ensuring process reliability and stroke monitoring of the gripper. High closing force with low intrinsic weight, long finger lengths and finger projection were also required due to the dimensions of the containers.

The integration of the SCHUNK PGN-plus-P gripper offered a customized solution for the requirements of handling trays filled with larvae. "Automation plays a key role in the efficient operation of our breeding facilities. Thanks to the innovative gripping system from SCHUNK, process reliability has been increased and we have come one step closer to our goal of 'transform the foodchain'," says Gerald Pötsch, Managing Director of Optinatura Feed GmbH.

Hygiene regulations are particularly important in the food/animal feed sector. With H1-compliant lubrication as standard, the PGN-plus-P gripper can also be used in the food industry. Food safety is ensured throughout the entire production process. The long service life and low maintenance costs due to permanent lubrication were the main reasons for using the gripper.

The PGN-plus-P pneumatic gripper is not only a robust powerhouse, but is also equipped with a gripping force maintenance. Thanks to this function, process reliability is ensured, which is important for production. The mechanical gripping force maintenance ensures that a minimum clamping force will be applied even if there is a drop in pressure. No trays are lost in the event of a malfunction or emergency stop, and the larvae are transported safely to their destination.

The gripper features a high clamping force, low weight, and compact design. In this way, heavier workpiece weights can be handled with the same gripper size. The larger guidance surfaces also allow up to 120% higher finger loading compared to a T-slot guidance. The protuding gripper fingers made it possible to transport and stack the trays.

SCHUNK – Optinatura Optinatura Feed GmbH, a start-up company from St. Martin im Mühlkreis, breeds black soldier fly larvae to replace soy and fishmeal in animal feed.

Automation as the basis for scalability

Automation at Optinatura Feed GmbH enables the production of larger quantities to meet the high demand and at the same time minimizes the consumption of resources and environmental impact. Consistent quality and a reliable supply chain are further effects of automation. The automated production of insect protein is therefore key to the scalability of this sustainable feed source.

The passion for sustainable food production, paired with innovative technology, contributes to reducing the ecological footprint.