The dairy industry is undergoing major transformation, and the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is becoming essential for efficiency, traceability, and food safety. According to a Deloitte report (2023), dairy plants that implement AI and robotics in production processes can reduce operational costs by up to 18%.

Modern technologies being used include:

• packaging robots and automatic labeling systems; • AI systems for fermentation optimization and temperature control; • digital monitoring of microbiological parameters; • predictive analytics software for maintenance and inventory management.

An example of efficiency is represented by fully automated production lines that process over 25,000 liters per hour with only 3–4 operators per shift. The integration of AI in these systems allows fine-tuning of fermentation, reducing acidity variations to below ±0.1 pH, according to a study published by EFSA (2022).

AI also contributes to reducing losses: processors using intelligent milk flow control systems report losses below 1.5% per batch, compared to the national average of 4–6%.

Investments in such solutions range between €250,000 and €750,000 for medium-sized facilities, with payback periods estimated between 2 and 4 years.

(Photo: Freepik)