Haigh's Chocolates to install interactive production robot

South Australian chocolate maker Haigh’s will unveil Australia’s first industrial installation of a Baxter interactive production robot.

The Baxter robot includes a safety system that enables it to work without barriers and in close proximity to people.

It can be programmed to undertake repetitive and difficult production line tasks and can be easily trained to adapt to changing tasks. Haigh’s plans to put the robot to work completing repetitive, menial tasks, which it hopes will free up time for its skilled chocolatiers.

Haigh’s puts the cost of purchase and customisation of the robot at “just under $100,000”, $50,000 of which has been provided by a grant from the South Australian Government through the Business Transformation Voucher program.

Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher said the project was recommended for funding based on the potential for Haigh’s to improve its manufacturing performance and expand its production capacity. “The Baxter robot is a great example of innovation in action,” he said.

Automation and control services company SAGE Automation has been appointed the Australian distributor for the Baxter robot. SAGE Automation is currently programming Baxter ahead of its installation at Haigh’s Greenhill Road facility during March and April.

The robot will be visible to the more than 34,000 visitors who tour the Haigh’s factory every year.