ABI

Skilled bakers score artisan bread precisely to help the dough rise and create perfect patterns. Imagine that same precision executed at 600 cuts a minute. That is the world ABI has built over 35 years, where robots boost the human touch in baking, not replace it.

ABI began as a small family business making bagels and has grown to lead in robotics for baking automation. ABI’s success isn’t just about high-tech gear. It understands that good automation starts with thinking like a baker, not an engineer. This is evident in its emphasis on people, who are essential to delivering great customer service.

“Our employees have expansive experience within the organization, which translates into how they take care of the customer,” says Alyson Slapkauskas, CEO.

This mindset shapes everything ABI does, from the demo room where clients test ingredients with ABI’s machines to its 25-year equipment support. ABI cultivates teamwork that goes beyond just doing business.

The Art and Science of Baking

At the heart of ABI’s innovation lies Katana Robotic Scoring System, its vision-guided robotic scoring system that maps each dough piece in real time and adjusts the tool path so every cut lands in the right place, at high speed and with repeatable precision. The system’s versatility is remarkable. It quickly switches between tools like drag blades, plunge blades, water jet and conventional blades, handling different products and patterns. For the highest production speed, Katana Robotic scoring system comes with a waterjet tool, which can make up to 600 cuts every minute, in a consistent manner that hand scoring cannot match.

Alongside the Katana Robotic Scoring system, ABI’s pick-and-place equipment uses smart vision to detect and position items on conveyors or baking pans. It also works well with delicate dough and pastries thanks to the various end of arm tools (EOAT) available, reducing damage and improving speed and versatility. This automated setup tackles tricky manufacturing while boosting accuracy and output.

ABI’s Eye-Q is an advanced system that represents the future of quality control. It uses cameras and artificial intelligence to check the color, shape and consistency of baked goods as they are made. Eye-Q quality control system gives operators insightful feedback about adjustments needed in the production line to manage color, consistency and shape—a smarter way to ensure baking quality.

Tackling Complex Challenges with Innovation

ABI thrives when faced with complex production challenges. Take, for example, a major bagel producer that needed to double its output—without expanding or relocating its facility. ABI engineered an innovative conveyor solution to move products vertically, optimizing the use of limited space. This breakthrough paved the way for designing and building one of the industry’s largest boilers—a massive 25-foot by 13-foot unit capable of handling unparalleled production volume. The project exemplified how ABI integrates its diverse capabilities to solve unique, high-impact challenges.

Its thoughtful approach to technology adoption is equally impactful. When small bakeries were hesitant about automation, ABI built a bridge. It set up separate Katana Robotic Scoring System units before implementing full automation. This step-by-step approach helped artisan & semi-automated bakeries get accustomed to the new technology. The results were commendable, as these bakeries embraced complete automation, which made the changeover time much shorter.

These illustrate how ABI is adept at handling each client’s unique problems. While some require innovative solutions within pre-existing spaces, others present opportunities for new designs. ABI’s ability to adapt and change standard solutions allows it to address any challenge clients face, whether through strategic technology adoption or complex engineering.

Support Beyond Equipment

ABI is committed to its equipment long after installation is complete. Even 25 years later, its systems still receive official support, upgrades and retrofits. ABI provides full care throughout the product lifespan and builds partnerships that treat every bakery as a long-term ally. This approach reflects a mindset that is driving change in industrial baking with consistent, vision-guided precision.

Whether serving small bakeries, mid-sized businesses or huge industrial plants across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, ABI stays true to its values. It starts with building strong human connections, creating quality baked products and recognizing that even in a world with more automation, the human touch is the most important factor.