digital transformation Archives

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN FEED MANUFACTURING: THE PROGANDO SUCCESS STORY WITH ARBENTIA AND MICROSOFT

In the era of Industry 4.0—where connectivity and automation are reshaping every industry—digitalizing processes has become essential for staying competitive. A clear example of this transformation is Progando, a leading Galician company in animal nutrition, which has achieved a major milestone by integrating its feed manufacturing and sales operations through a strategic collaboration with ARBENTIA and Microsoft. This project not only streamlines management but also lays the foundation for a smarter, more responsive value chain.

Rooted in the Provincial Agricultural Cooperative of A Coruña (Leyma) and deeply committed to rural development, Progando faced the challenge of unifying and monitoring its complex feed production and distribution processes, along with managing its ProSardín retail stores. The solution came with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, a cloud-based ERP system that enabled Progando to consolidate all its operations into a single database.

Led by ARBENTIA, the implementation resulted in full integration of workflows—from purchasing and finance to logistics and production. This advanced digitalization allows real-time monitoring of both the factory and the stores, ensuring tight inventory control, batch traceability, and compliance with food safety and quality regulations. Integration with tools like Microsoft Power BI has further empowered Progando with robust analytics capabilities, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making.

“We aimed to integrate all our workflows and make better decisions using tools like Microsoft Power BI,” explains Adrián Veras from Progando, highlighting how technology has elevated the value of their work and allowed the team to focus on higher-value tasks.

Progando is a family-run Galician company and a benchmark in the animal nutrition and agricultural distribution sector. Operating within the Leyma cooperative, its mission is to support farmers and develop cutting-edge technologies for agricultural production, promoting efficiency and sustainability in rural areas. In a year of strong growth, the company reported €69.5 million in revenue and reached a record production of 120,000 tons.

ARBENTIA, a digital transformation expert, supports businesses in their technological evolution. Specializing in the development and implementation of intelligent solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics 365, ARBENTIA focuses on improving efficiency, traceability, and profitability across the entire value chain—from production to distribution. It positions itself as a key strategic partner in business modernization, offering specialized software for feed distribution and promoting operational excellence.

Microsoft, the global tech giant, is a leading provider of software, services, and solutions that transform how businesses operate. In this project, its Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI platforms form the digital backbone, delivering the cloud infrastructure needed for integrated, flexible, and scalable management. Microsoft’s technology is essential for boosting operational efficiency and enabling powerful data analysis, bringing the vision of Industry 4.0 to life for companies of all sizes and sectors.

This success story underscores how the right combination of strategic vision, advanced technology, and expert implementation can lead to full digital transformation of industrial processes—marking a turning point in the efficiency and competitiveness of the agri-food sector.

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COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS: THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN LABOR IN THE AGE OF AUTOMATION

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In an increasingly automated industrial world, collaborative robots—or cobots—are redefining the meaning of human work. Far from replacing people, these machines are designed to work alongside them, enhancing efficiency, safety, and quality in sectors such as automotive, electronics, food production, and logistics. With an annual growth rate exceeding 30%, cobots have become one of the most accessible and effective tools for companies undergoing digital transformation.

Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are lightweight, flexible machines equipped with advanced sensors that allow them to interact safely with humans. They don’t require safety cages or complex programming, which makes their integration into existing production lines significantly easier.

These robots offer a host of advantages. They can operate continuously—day and night—performing repetitive tasks such as assembly, welding, packaging, or visual inspection. This boosts productivity without the need to expand the workforce. Thanks to built-in proximity sensors and automatic stop mechanisms, they also improve workplace safety by detecting human presence and adapting their behavior accordingly. Their modular design and simple programming make them highly adaptable: companies can quickly reconfigure them to perform different tasks based on shifting production needs. Moreover, the low initial investment and ease of implementation make cobots an especially appealing solution for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to automate without major capital outlays. Their precision and consistency also mean fewer errors and higher product quality.

Real-world applications show how cobots are already reshaping industry. At Amazon distribution centers, robots like Hercules and Proteus move and organize goods, while cobots such as Sequoia and Sparrow use artificial intelligence to carry out selection and sorting tasks. In Australia, the bakery Priestley’s Gourmet Delights has adopted an advanced production system incorporating cobots and autonomous vehicles, doubling its production capacity and creating new specialized jobs. Meanwhile, automakers like BMW and Ford use cobots on their assembly lines for welding, component installation, and adhesive applications—streamlining operations while reducing the risk of workplace injury.

Industry statistics reinforce this trend. In 2023, cobots accounted for 11% of all industrial robots installed, with annual sales approaching $3 billion and a growth rate exceeding 30%. Their implementation has been linked to productivity increases of 20–30%, error reductions of 10–20%, and safety improvements of 15–25% across various industrial applications.

Collaborative robots are transforming the workplace by enabling safer and more efficient interactions between people and machines. By taking on repetitive or hazardous tasks, they allow workers to focus on higher-value activities such as innovation and problem-solving. Their accessibility and versatility make them a key tool for business competitiveness in the digital age. From vehicle assembly, soldering, and quality control in the automotive industry, to circuit board assembly in electronics, to food sorting and labeling, warehouse logistics, or medical tasks like sample processing and surgical assistance—cobots are not only driving efficiency and quality, but also contributing to safer and more sustainable work environments.

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KUKA DRIVES FUTURE OF AUTOMATION IN CHINA WITH NEW TRAINING CENTRE IN SHENYANG

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Industrial automation continues to evolve rapidly, and KUKA, one of the global leaders in robotics and intelligent solutions, reaffirms its commitment to specialized training. The company has recently inaugurated the KUKA College in Shenyang, China, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train professionals in the use and application of industrial robots across various sectors.

A Center of Excellence for Industry 4.0

The KUKA College in Shenyang becomes a fundamental pillar for the training of engineers, technicians, and operators who seek to specialize in automation and robotics. With laboratories equipped with the latest technology, this center will offer practical and theoretical training on programming, maintenance, and optimization of industrial robots.

China, as the world’s largest robotics market, increasingly demands qualified talent in automation. KUKA responds to this need by providing a learning environment that combines the expertise of its specialists with innovative methodologies to enhance the competitiveness of the Chinese manufacturing industry.

Key Benefits for Industry and Professionals

Advanced Training: Courses adapted to different levels, from beginners to robotics experts.
Practical Focus: Training in real environments with KUKA robots, simulators, and automation systems.
Industry Connection: Strategic alliances with companies and universities to strengthen knowledge transfer.
Innovation Boost: Promotion of the development of new automation solutions for sectors such as automotive, electronics, and logistics.
A Step Forward in Digital Transformation

With this new facility, KUKA strengthens its presence in China and its commitment to talent development in automation. This training center will not only benefit local companies but also contribute to the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the country, preparing the next generations of robotics experts.

The inauguration of the KUKA College in Shenyang marks a milestone in technical education and the advancement of automation in China, consolidating KUKA’s leadership in the sector. With a focus on training and innovation, the company continues to build the future of smart manufacturing globally.

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KUKA UNVEILS NEW HEAVYWEIGHT AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOT AT PROMAT 2025: INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY FOR INDUSTRY

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KUKA Robotics, a global leader in industrial automation solutions, is set to amaze attendees at PROMAT 2025 with its new heavyweight addition to the family of autonomous mobile robots (AMR): the KMP 3000P. This innovative robot will be unveiled from March 17 to 20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, where visitors to booth N7307 can explore its advanced capabilities that are transforming logistics and manufacturing production.

The KMP 3000P is a robust and flexible solution designed to transport heavy loads of up to three tons in any direction, including diagonal angles. Its omnidirectional drive system allows it to maneuver nimbly and precisely in the tightest spaces of production facilities. Equipped with four integrated 3D cameras and two laser scanners, this mobile robot offers a 360-degree view, enabling it to autonomously detect and navigate around obstacles, optimizing both safety and operational efficiency. Thanks to this advanced technology, the KMP 3000P eliminates the need for floor guide systems, facilitating its integration into any environment.

The KMP 3000P also features an innovative inductive charging system, allowing the platform to wirelessly recharge at multiple points within the production plant, further enhancing its flexibility. This feature is key to maximizing the robot’s uptime without interruptions, enabling a continuous work cycle.

At KUKA’s booth at PROMAT 2025, visitors will be able to see how the KMP 3000P works in conjunction with a KR QUANTEC industrial robot. This robotic cell will be a live demonstration of how the KMP 3000P transports heavy rolls to the KR QUANTEC, where these materials are handled and placed at different points on the production line. Equipped with AIRSKIN®, the KR QUANTEC ensures fast and safe handling, even in barrier-free environments, without compromising its load capacity or reliability.

In addition to the demonstration with the KMP 3000P, KUKA will present a second interactive cell featuring its KUKA LBR iisy cobot and the AMR KMP 600P. Attendees will be able to participate in a unique experience where the cobot will select an item chosen by the visitor from a tablet and transport it with the AMR KMP 600P to another cobot that will deliver the item directly to the user. This interactive flow allows firsthand experience of how KUKA’s robotic solutions can enhance the efficiency of material handling and transport in highly dynamic work environments.

The KMP 600P is a compact, high-performance platform designed to operate in confined spaces, with a load capacity of up to 600 kg. It is ideal for transporting materials from the warehouse to workstations or assembly lines, optimizing production flow and minimizing downtime.

To delve into the benefits of mobile robotics, Denise Stafford, KUKA’s Director of Business Development, will offer a lecture titled “How Mobile Robots Have Evolved: Lessons Learned After a Decade of Use” on Monday, March 17, at Theater I of PROMAT 2025. In this session, Stafford will provide valuable insights on how to choose the most suitable robotic solution to address the complex challenges of modern industry, helping manufacturers increase productivity while facing labor shortages.

KUKA, known for its expertise in industrial automation, supports its solutions with comprehensive services that include training, engineering, system simulation, spare parts, and robot refurbishment. Additionally, access to the my.KUKA.com platform ensures efficient technical support and fast customer service throughout North America.

With these innovations, KUKA reinforces its commitment to the digital transformation of the industry, providing automation tools that not only optimize production but also improve safety and efficiency in the workplace.

About KUKA Robotics

KUKA is one of the leading global providers of industrial automation and robotics solutions. Its product range includes everything from industrial robots to autonomous mobile platforms, designed to enhance efficiency and flexibility in various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. KUKA offers comprehensive solutions that include hardware, software, and support services, always aiming to drive productivity and innovation in modern industry.

PROMAT 2025 will be held from March 17 to 20 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover how KUKA robots are changing the future of industrial automation!

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