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Filler technology turns to AI for future of equipment
In the animated series Inspector Gadget/' the title character is able to take down the bad guys with his niece Penny and dog Brain thanks to a host of go-gadgets, including his Gadget Coat, featuring an airbag; the Gadget 'Copter, which emerges from his hat; Gadget Cuffs, handcuffs that emerge from his forearm, and much more. Despite some of Inspector Gadget's bumbling, the versatility of his gadgets keep the investigator on task. As beverage-maker's need to do more with today's filling equipment, they also are in need of versatile gadgets.
Among the trends driving this has been the proliferation of SKUs whether that be in terms of pack sizes, flavor expansions as well as the use of new age ingredients.
Giacomo Bello, director of aseptic filling technology sales at Krones Inc., Franklin, Wis., notes that the company continuously is challenged to supply equipment that delivers the highest agility when it comes to changeover.
Barry Fenske, technical sales of the filling division at Krones, echoes similar sentiments.
"Designing flexibility into the filler...