AI and robotic advances to be showcased at APPEX 2027

The pressure to produce more, improve efficiencies and remain competitive continues to shape key decisions made by manufacturers in the processing and packaging industry. Today, AI, machine vision, robotics and automation are increasingly central to this response.

APPEX 2027 will place these technologies firmly in the spotlight, bringing together leading technology developers, machinery suppliers, integrators and manufacturers to demonstrate how AI, robotics and intelligent automation are being applied across processing and packaging.

From AI-enabled robotics and machine vision to intelligent automation, APPEX 2027 will give visitors the opportunity to see the technology in action, speak directly with suppliers and explore how the latest advances could be applied within their own operations.

Presented by the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), APPEX 2027 comes at a time of rapid technological change across the industry. APPMA CEO Michael Moran says the pace of development means the solutions available to manufacturers in 2027 will be markedly different from those seen at APPEX 2024.

“Three years is a long time in the world of technology. The experience for visitors walking into APPEX in 2027 will be very different from the one they left in 2024,” Moran said. “The conversation around AI and robotics is moving very quickly from what might be possible in the future to what manufacturers can implement today.”

AI and robotics on show

ABB Robotics will showcase its latest robotic technologies, with the anticipated line-up including the IRB 460 palletising robot, PoWa CRB 1920 collaborative palletiser, IRB 360 FlexPicker, IRB 1100 and ABB Autonomous Mobile Robots, alongside its SafeMove safety technology.

“We are seeing AI-enabled vision systems connected to mobile and stationary robots deliver improved recognition and higher levels of inspection, supporting both safer operations and better quality assurance,” said Peter Bradbury, Channel Manager Australia and New Zealand at ABB Robotics.

“ABB’s hardware-agnostic OmniCore EyeMotion vision system, when combined with automatic collision-free path planning, can reduce commissioning time by up to 90% and cycle time by 50%.”

Beckhoff Automation will demonstrate how AI, machine learning and robotics can be integrated directly into the real-time control environment through its TwinCAT platform.

“We are seeing a shift towards more intelligent, connected and software-defined machines, with robotics, machine vision and AI increasingly integrated directly into the automation platform,” said Yousuf Saleem, National Sales Manager at Beckhoff Automation.

“Manufacturers are increasingly looking for open automation platforms that can integrate new technologies while maintaining secure, reliable and deterministic control of the production process.”

Robotic Automation (RA) Group will showcase Motoman NEXT — a robot platform from Yaskawa. The physical AI-enabled robotic platform is designed to support applications that require robots to respond more effectively to changing production conditions, helping manufacturers improve flexibility, productivity and operational efficiency.

“These technologies are used to automate the movement of raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods between production, storage and dispatch areas,” said Peter Martin, Marketing Manager for RA Group.

More than AI and robotics

Alongside AI, robotics and automation, APPEX 2027 will feature thousands of solutions across four dedicated zones: Materials & Packaging, Packaging Machinery, IT and Services, as well as Processing and Packaging Machinery.

It will also feature a program of expert-led sessions and industry events offering practical insights into the issues, technologies and opportunities shaping the future of processing and packaging. These include:

• The Food Industry Solution Series which features expert-led sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing food manufacturers.
• Meat Industry Day which is led by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), bringing the sector together to share insights, explore the latest technology and equipment, and network.
   

“With three years of development since the industry last came together at APPEX 2024, our 2027 exhibition provides an opportunity to see what has changed, what is available now and where AI, robotics and automation could take manufacturing next,” Moran said.

APPEX 2027 is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 16–19 March 2027.

For more information and free registration, visit www.appex.com.au.