Reutlingen, Germany-based Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions and Uzwil, Switzerland-headquartered Bühler, specialists in the areas of the Internet of Things (IoT) and food process technology, are joining forces. Contractual proceedings to form a commercial partnership to expand existing research and development were completed on August 22 and announced during the kickoff of Bühler Networking Days [see related story in Features section of the FrozenFoodsBiz.com website] in Uzwil.
The cooperation agreement provides opportunities to leverage Bosch know-how in electronics, sensor technology and software around the Internet of Things for the food processing industry. The two companies have already collaborated in a two-year research project to integrate cutting-edge Bosch MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) sensors into food production technology with promising results.
Shaking hands upon sealing the commercial partnership deal to further bolster research and development are Thorsten Müller (left), chief executive officer of Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions, and Johannes Wick, chief executive officer for Bühler’s Grains & Food division.
Individual rolls in rotating machines can now be equipped with wireless sensors to measure in real time temperature and vibration during the production process. This allows monitoring and optimization of the end product through better alignment of the rolls. Operators also benefit from predictive maintenance services, reducing downtime and cutting operating costs. First applications from this intensified cooperative effort will be launched in 2017.
“Following our successful R&D partnership, we are pleased to take the next step to form a commercial partnership,” said Johannes Wick, chief executive officer for Bühler’s Grains & Food division. “We are excited to utilize this partnership to create process solutions and services that improve yield and performance at reduced operating costs for our customers.”
“We are excited to continue and extend our partnership with Bühler, a major industry specialist and leading company in the field of food processing technologies,” said Thorsten Müller, chief executive officer of Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions. “At Bosch, we combine experience gained from our own manufacturing activities in more than 250 plants with our expertise as a leading provider of electronics, sensors and software for industrial IoT solutions. We are not only optimizing our own worldwide manufacturing base, we are also actively seeking to work with partners like Bühler to build a value creation network beyond company boundaries and turn Industry 4.0 into reality.”
