In this context, the integration of artificial vision and robotics enables the standardisation of fruit orientation criteria, reduces repetitive errors and maintains high line speeds without relying on labour peaks. The objective is clear: for each peach or nectarine to reach the pack with its most marketable side visible, with uniform placement and a stable line flow even during peak activity periods.
Against this backdrop, MAF RODA is strengthening its R&D strategy with robotic solutions specifically designed to automate packing into tray-packed formats. The company proposes two approaches—Fast Pack and Line Pack—which respond to different packhouse realities (available space, required capacity and format flexibility), but share a common goal: automation to improve efficiency without compromising presentation.
The compact design of Fast Pack
This is a particularly valued feature where operational space is limited. The system places fruit into trays with cavities and orients it according to predefined parameters, using artificial vision to instantly identify the most suitable side and position it accordingly.
This combination of precision and speed makes it possible to maintain high working capacities, minimise variability between operators and standardise product presentation at the point of sale. In addition, changing box formats is quick and efficient, providing flexibility when different packing formats are required.
Line Pack, tailored to stone fruit
For facilities seeking higher capacity, Line Pack is based on the coordination of several delta robots—typically six per line—a technology already proven in segments such as apples and now adapted to the specific characteristics of stone fruit.
Artificial vision analyses the entire surface of each piece, selects the most marketable side and positions it correctly in the tray. The simultaneous operation of the robots makes it possible to replace manual tasks that are difficult to staff and to maintain consistently high production rates—an essential factor for meeting dispatch schedules and ensuring presentation quality batch after batch.
Robotics has become an essential component in fruit and vegetable packhouses and, in the case of stone fruit, its impact is particularly evident in the packing stage—a traditionally manual process where uniform presentation, speed and delicate handling determine commercial outcomes.
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Today, with structural labour shortages and increasingly demanding campaigns, automation is no longer a future strategic option but a requirement to sustain competitiveness and ensure production continuity.
Beyond speed, the key to these solutions lies in consistency: orienting each fruit according to the same criteria, reducing unnecessary handling and maintaining uniform packing that enhances perceived value.
For packhouses, robotics also provides resilience: it enables production to continue despite labour shortages, absorbs peaks in fruit intake and allows for more reliable planning. In the race for post-harvest efficiency, packing automation is consolidating as one of the decisive factors in campaign profitability.
