Automated packaging is an essential component of the food industry, thanks to its ability to improve operational efficiency, precision, safety and the adaptability of production processes, as well as to reduce errors.

In this context, the aim of a recent study, carried out by a group of Ecuadorian researchers (Cerecerez et al., 2025), was to develop an advanced robotic arm designed to package chocolates.

The results demonstrate that the integration of artificial intelligence enables the system to successfully identify and sort various types of chocolates, significantly improving the efficiency of the process. The authors highlight the arm’s ability to place the product evenly into the trays, thereby increasing productivity, reducing human error and maintaining the quality of the packaging. However, the algorithm’s effectiveness was found to be sensitive to fluctuations in lighting conditions. This sensitivity underscores the crucial role of precise camera calibration and adjustment prior to commencing the configuration process – an essential step in minimising detection errors and ensuring accurate product labelling.

Bibliography: G. Cerecerez et al., 23rd LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology, 16-18 July 2025, 1-10