The use of robots in the Japanese food industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the use of robots in the Japanese food industry, today and tomorrow. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on research papers, exhibitions, press releases and interviews. Findings – The paper finds that food palletizing and packaging are the popular applications at present. Food processing and handling are emerging. Agricultural and farming applications are yet to come in spite of intensive on‐going R&D efforts. Originality/value – This paper presents issues to overcome for the robotization of the industry in the future.