Shining a light on women engineering talent at ABI!

For International Women in Engineering Day, ABI is highlighting two of our women engineers, Beverly and Jady, both working as mechanical engineering co-op students at ABI. On this interview, they share their experiences, challenges, and what it’s like to work in engineering as young women.

Can you briefly introduce yourself? What led you to ABI?

Beverly: My name is Beverly Zeng, and I am currently a student at the University of Waterloo entering my fourth year of Mechatronics Engineering. All of my previous coop experiences have been in the industrial automation industry. What led me to ABI is their impressive innovation and sustainability achievements in the industry as well as the strong inclusive culture of ABI.

Jady: I'm Jady Xu, and I am a 2nd year Mechanical Engineering student at the same university. In high school, I had the opportunity to participate in the WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology) Summer Research Program, which allowed me to be a mechanical engineering lab researcher for 6 weeks at the University of Alberta. This early exposure further cemented my decision to pursue this path. Fast forward a few years, I knew I wanted one of my co-ops to be in food manufacturing, something exciting and hands-on. I sent a cold email to ABI and to my surprise, that opened the door to this incredible opportunity.

What is your current role at ABI?

Beverly: My main responsibilities are in mechanical designing or assisting with continuous improvement tasks. Some notable projects I have worked on are designing elements of a scoring system, and documenting procedures to keep everyday processes standardized to get the same ABI quality of work for customer satisfaction.

Jady:  My responsabilities include CAD modeling, technical drawings, updating assemblies, and helping with testing. I have also had the opportunity to work directly with clients, changing assemblies based on client feedback while taking safety and sanitation into consideration. Additionally, I also wrote various work instructions and other documentations for efficiency and safety on the shop floor.

What inspired you to become an engineer?

Jady: Growing up, I would say I was a creative kid that spent a lot of my time drawing, painting and making things. Engineering felt like the perfect way to turn this curiosity into something purposeful. Mechanical engineering fascinated me because it’s centered around physical systems and machines, essentially anything that moves. The fact that my dad and older brother are both engineers also helped. This gave me the confidence to follow the same path.

Beverly: I have always been curious about how things work. I enjoy thinking creatively through logic to solve problems and have always wanted to make a positive impact by solving real-world challenges.

In your opinion, what are the advantages and challenges of being an engineer in the industry? And more specifically at ABI?

Jady: One advantage is being able to think more like an engineer. Learning the theory and softwares in coursework is helpful but applying that knowledge in the real world can be different. At ABI, I have been trusted with real responsibility from the start, which can be both exciting and challenging. The industry work environment means you’re constantly learning but can also be a challenge to apply the knowledge while keeping up with the pace.

Beverly: One other advantage is seeing the results of your work in the finished product. ABI encourages ownership and thrives on adaptability.

What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?

Beverly: It’s a celebration and a reminder of women who came before us, their accomplishments, and the push for equal opportunity, while inspiring the next generation.

Jady: Honestly, I didn’t know this day existed until very recently which is surprising. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate it. It’s a day to recognize the contributions of women in engineering and show younger girls that this path is possible and worth pursuing. To me, it represents a big part of my journey and shows how much we’ve accomplished and will accomplish.

In your opinion, what are the essential skills or qualities for engineers to thrive today and in the future?

Beverly: Beyond technical skills: adaptability, data literacy, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

Jady: Thinking outside of the box and adaptability.

Take a deep dive into the exciting world of industrial bagel production with ABI, MECATHERM and PURATOS

The second Bagel Innovation Day was a huge success, building on the success of our first event! On March 6th, ABI, Mecatherm, and Puratos teamed up once again to host an action-packed day that took a deep dive into the exciting world of industrial bagel production. Industry professionals gathered to discover the latest trends, breakthrough solutions, and cutting-edge equipment that are revolutionizing the way we manufacture the perfect bagel at scale. Let’s take a look at the highlights from this incredible event at Puratos HQ in Pennsauken, NJ!

Exploring Market Insights and Trends
Bagel Innovation Day offered a wealth of valuable market insights and trends shaping the industrial bagel production landscape. Puratos, renowned for its expertise in ingredients and consumer trends, led participants through the ever-evolving world of bagels, focusing on emerging flavors, textures, and dietary considerations that are capturing the attention of bagel lovers worldwide. Attendees walked away equipped with the knowledge needed to stay ahead of the competition and meet the demands of a dynamic market.

Overcoming Operational Challenges at Scale
Scaling up production comes with its fair share of challenges, and Bagel Innovation Day tackled these head-on. ABI, a leader in bakery automation and robotics, presented innovative make-up and pre-baking solutions that boost efficiency without compromising quality. Mecatherm, a global leader in production lines and equipment, showcased top-tier technologies to support complete, high-performance production lines, including advanced proofing, retarding, and baking equipment. Attendees explored versatile solutions that can be tailored to fit their processes, ensuring top-notch performance and exceptional product quality.

Hands-On Demonstrations of State-of-the-Art Equipment
The heart of Bagel Innovation Day was the live demonstrations by ABI, where attendees got an up-close look at state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for industrial bagel production. These hands-on demonstrations gave participants a chance to experience firsthand how cutting-edge technologies and techniques are taking bagel manufacturing to the next level.

Bagel Innovation Day 2 was a great success, bringing together industry leaders and professionals to share knowledge, explore market insights, and discover innovative solutions. The collaboration between Puratos, ABI, and Mecatherm highlighted a strong commitment to advancing the bagel industry and delivering top-quality products.

A big thank you to all participants!

Unlocking the Future of Bakery: Insights from Our Robotics Day

On October 24, we proudly launched our first Robotics Day at ABI, in partnership with ABB Robotics Canada. This groundbreaking seminar was an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to delve into the transformative role of robotics in bakery processes and to explore the numerous advantages it can bring in terms of product quality, consistency and industrial performance. 

Exploring the Potential of Robotics 

ABB Robotics kicked off the seminar by leveraging their extensive experience in the Robotics field to discuss how they are successfully penetrating various industries with their advanced robotic solutions. Nicolas Durand, VP & Managing Director at ABB Robotics Canada, also went through several customer cases to show various robotics applications to attendees. Following this, Alexandre GOASMAT, Product Manager and Felix PANG Customer Solution Engineer for ABI, stepped up to focus more specifically on how robotics can streamline bakery operations, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality. With over a decade of experience in the baking industry, they introduced innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges currently facing the sector including industrial performance, product quality and sustainability. 

Ensuring seamless robotics integration 

Implementing a robot in your bakery operations can be daunting and come with its own set of challenges. The ABI team outlined the essential steps for ensuring seamless integration into your existing processes. They insisted on how both customers and equipment integrators have to work together in order to make it work. A key focus was on ABB's Robot Studio tool, a powerful software that allows for robotic system simulations. This tool provides a 3D model of the robotic system, helping to anticipate any unknown variables and facilitating a smoother transition to automation. 

Live Demonstrations in Action 

One of the key features of Robotics Day was the live demonstrations showcasing state-of-the-art robotic systems. Participants had the chance to see these machines in action, gaining firsthand experience of how robotics can transform their baking practices.  

We extend our appreciation to all the participants and our partner ABB Robotics Canada for co-hosting this event with us. 

About: 

Since 1989, ABI has helped industrial bakeries across the globe decrease their operating costs, increase their yields, and make better food more efficiently. Based in Toronto, Canada, ABI is home to roughly 80 team members including a deep roster of engineering, technical, and production experts. With a satisfied network of customers across five continents, ABI is the leading designer and manufacturer of bagel make-up equipment and a pioneer in robotics for bakeries. ABI equipment produces many well-loved baked goods, from bagels to pretzels, pizzas to sweet goods. ABI prides itself on its robust design and build quality and continues to innovate around the “bakery of the future.” For more information: www.abiltd.com     

ABB Robotics as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics – become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. 

Time to Automate? Insights from Industry Leaders at the Bakery Showcase

On May 5th, the bustling city of Toronto played host to the Bakery Showcase, organized by Baking Association Canada. A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the timely and transformative topic of automation in the baking industry. Among the distinguished speakers was Alyson Slapkauskas, CEO of ABI, who brought her extensive expertise to the conversation. The panel gathered a diverse group of five industry professionals, including bakers, sales experts, operations managers, and executive leaders, each offering unique perspectives on the integration of automation within their respective domains.

Navigating Automation and Funding with Expert Help

One of the primary themes discussed was the pivotal role that consultants and suppliers play in the automation journey. The panel underscored the complexity of navigating automation technologies, particularly when coupled with the intricacies of grant funding. Alyson Slapkauskas emphasized that seeking expert guidance can demystify the process, ensuring that bakeries can leverage available financial support to implement cutting-edge technologies effectively. By partnering with knowledgeable consultants, bakery owners can make informed decisions that align with their operational goals and financial capabilities.

Flexibility Through Automation

The conversation then shifted to the flexibility that automation can bring to bakery operations. Automation isn't just about replacing human labor; it's about enhancing the ability to adapt and respond to market demands quickly and efficiently. Automated systems can handle a variety of tasks, from production to packaging, allowing bakeries to scale their operations and introduce new products with greater ease. This flexibility is crucial in an industry where consumer preferences and market conditions are constantly evolving.

Understanding Capacity and Limitations

An essential consideration before diving into automation is understanding the bakery’s actual capacity and limitations. The panelists stressed the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of existing operations to identify bottlenecks and areas that would benefit most from automation. By knowing their true capacity, bakeries can avoid over-investment in technologies that might exceed their needs or under-investment that could limit growth.

From Simple Tweaks to Complex Solutions

Automation in the baking industry can range from simple tweaks to complex systems. The panelists illustrated this spectrum with real-world examples, showing how some bakeries might only need minor adjustments like automated ingredient dispensers, while others might require full-scale robotic production lines. Alyson Slapkauskas highlighted that the key is to start with what makes sense for the specific bakery, allowing for incremental advancements that can be scaled up over time.

Reducing Physical strain and Human Error

A significant advantage of increased automation is the reduction of physical strain on your workforce. For example, rack management systems increase the efficiency and consistency of the otherwise labor-intensive process of loading and unloading racks. At the same time, these systems also dramatically improve employee safety by eliminating heavy lifting and repetitive motion. Automated systems are designed to perform repetitive tasks with high precision, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that can occur with manual processes. This not only improves product consistency and quality but also enhances overall operational efficiency.

Embracing Technology with Confidence

The panel concluded with a collective piece of advice: do your homework, but don’t be afraid to jump into technology. While the initial steps towards automation might seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges. By staying informed, seeking expert advice, and starting with manageable changes, bakeries can confidently embrace the future of automation.

In summary, the discussion at the Bakery Showcase highlighted that while automation presents both opportunities and challenges, the right approach can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, flexibility, and product quality. As Alyson Slapkauskas and her fellow panelists demonstrated, with careful planning and the right support, the journey towards automation can be a rewarding one for bakeries of all sizes.

Solve bread scoring challenges with advanced KATANA Robotic scoring system

Now more than ever, food manufacturers are facing multiple challenges. They must adapt to market demands for varied products of consistent quality while maintaining a high level of industrial performance and facing labor shortage challenges. With more than 35 years of experience in the bakery industry, ABI's experts understand the quality challenges of bakery manufacturers and hold the answers to these challenges.

The KATANA Scoring System is a complete flexible robotic scoring solution that combines unique End of Arm Tools with a precise 3D vision system as well as optimized robotic programming for the robot’s movement, and an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI). All these combined create the most comprehensive scoring system available in the marketplace. Thus, the KATANA Scoring System offers industrial bakers various scoring possibilities for a wide range of products with unrivaled precision and product consistency.

“With the KATANA scoring robot, scoring is becoming more than just the practical process of avoiding unsightly bursts that could occur during baking. Bakery manufacturers can make their creativity go further and use various product patterns to personalize products and bring unique offerings to the market,“ explains Felix PANG, Robotics Customer Solution Specialist at ABI.

The KATANA scoring solution offers several benefits: accurate scoring to improve productivity, the opportunity to score a wide range of products, and a user-friendly interface for easy use that doesn’t require any special prerequisites.

More product possibilities with the new waterjet scoring tool

In order to help bakeries meet market expectations for product diversity, the KATANA scoring system now integrates the waterjet scoring tool in addition to the ultrasonic plunge and drag blade options. Each tool meets a specific product requirement: the waterjet is dedicated to end-products, like baguettes or Viennese bread, while the ultrasonic drag blade adapts to stiffer doughs or doughs with inclusions, and the plunge blade is excellent for end-products, such as pretzels or breads. More flexible than ever, the KATANA scoring solution enables the scoring of a wide range of soft products and crusty breads, guaranteeing product quality and homogeneity.

Thanks to the addition of the waterjet scoring tool to the complete KATANA scoring system, bakers can provide more personalized solutions to differentiate their offers and meet the market demand for unique products. To create the perfect customized product, scoring parameters such as cut depth, cut angle, compound angle, and plow angle can be adjusted in the software. Coupled with the articulated arm of the robot movement, the high-pressure water stream of the new waterjet scoring tool enables complex angles and scoring patterns.

To guarantee the best product quality, both the ultrasonic technology of the drag and plunge blades and the waterjet tool have minimal contact with the dough. This doesn’t introduce any additional stress to the dough, preserving as much of the product integrity as possible.

ABI will be presenting the new EYE-Q Quality Control System powered by AI dedicated to the baking industry, at IBA

ABI, a leading supplier of bakery solutions including bagel production equipment, robotics and automation solutions, is pleased to unveil the new EYE-Q Quality Control System powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), dedicated to precise analysis of product quality criteria across different stages of production.

EYE-Q Quality Control System uses deep learning and artificial intelligence to offer insights into production issues and bottle necks by classifying, tracking, and trending defect statistics to support operators as they resolve issues rather than simply accepting or rejecting products.

Combining its powerful and accurate analysis engine with a customized easy-to-use dashboard, EYE-Q provides enhanced flexibility to handle the day-to-day variability of bakery production, enabling on-floor personnel to operate real-time monitoring and insights.

The system also offers operator guidance for swift troubleshooting, minimizing production losses, waste, and downtime.

Discover KATANA's latest addition: a Waterjet scoring tool for an even greater flexibility

Next-generation, versatile KATANA robot scoring solution now equipped with a waterjet scoring tool.

In an effort to help customers meet market expectations for product diversity, KATANA robot scoring will deliver more flexibility than ever with its new powerful waterjet scoring system.

Expanding on features including its ultrasonic plunge and drag blade options, the enhanced KATANA robot scoring solution enables the scoring of a wide range of soft products and crusty breads, guaranteeing product quality and homogeneity.

In addition, the KATANA robot scoring solution is particularly precise and reliable with integrated software developed by ABI, based on its deep industrial bakery sector knowledge.

IBA 2023: ABI to unveil innovations to address today’s bakery-pastry-pâtisserie sector challenges

ABI, a leading supplier of bakery solutions including bagel production equipment, robotics and automation solutions, is pleased to announce it will exhibit at IBA from October 22 to 26, 2023, in Munich, Germany (Hall B2, Booth 150).

Now more than ever, food manufacturers are facing multiple challenges. They must adapt to market demands for varied products of consistent quality while maintaining a high level of industrial performance amid a backdrop of energy challenges, labor shortages, lack of visibility on inflation and an increasing focus on environmental and social responsibility. To help their customers face these challenges, ABI will present its latest innovative solutions at IBA.

•  its KATANA multi-purpose robot scoring solution now offering a waterjet scoring tool.

• Eye-Q, its new AI-enabled complete quality control system, providing precise analysis of product quality criteria across different stages of production.

• ABI will exhibit at IBA alongside sister company MECATHERM, both subsidiaries of the TMG holding company.

Save the Date - Joins us at IBA in Munich, Germany

We are excited to welcome you to join us at the world’s leading baking industry trade show in Munich, Germany, October 22-26, 2023.

Come and learn how ABI can help you go beyond the line and  explore new possibilities.

Uncover valuable insights to help your business grow, including how to:

• Reach unparalleled product quality

• Accelerate your industrial performance

• Achieve your sustainability goals

Let our team of experts show you how our innovative equipment and technologies will help enable your success.