FOOD & BEVERAGE
Maximize Throughput. Minimize Disruptions.
In the fast-paced world of food and beverage production, automation is no longer a competitive edge – it’s a necessity. JBT Automated Systems’ solutions are purpose-built to accelerate your throughput, reduce operational risks, and empower your workforce by eliminating repetitive manual tasks.
Unmatched Quality. Reliable Support.
At JBT, we don’t just build AGVs–we build solutions that power manufacturing and warehouse operations across the globe. Our vehicles are designed, engineered, and assembled in both the USA and Europe. That means every well, sensor, and system is optimized to ensure unmatched quality and tariff-friendly reliability for our customers.
Why Leading Food & Beverage Brands Choose JBT
Faster Material Flow
Boost production with up to 30% faster throughput, improved on-time delivery, and reduced cycle times.
Reduced Labor Dependency
Cut forklift driver labor by 90%+ and address labor shortages with automated, redundant mobile fleets.
Smarter Cost Savings
Reduce forklift operator costs to the equivalent of $4/hour and save over $6,000 per forklift annually in damage-related expenses.
Intelligent Material Handling
Ensure the right material gets to the right place—faster and more accurately—with mōt.OS, our innovative software that manages multiple fleets and manufacturers in a single operating system.
Zero Errors, Zero Accidents
Achieve a 100% reduction in forklift-related human error and eliminate forklift-related injuries with intelligent safety systems and fully autonomous operation.
Built for the Food & Beverage Industry
JBT automation solutions are designed to handle the nuances of complex food and beverage operations—from raw ingredient handling to end-of-line packaging and storage.
Specialized for:
- Perishables (fruits & vegetables)
- Protein production (poultry, beef, pork, seafood)
- Dairy (milk, cheese, by-products)
- Beverages (empty and filled cans/bottles)
- Pet food processing
Vehicle Types:
- Counterbalance forked
- Counterbalance clamped
- Counterbalance slip sheet
- Reach
- Automatic trailer loading / unloading
- Roller deck
- Batch retort
- AMRs
Automated Applications:
Raw Material Transport
- Move ingredients from receiving docks to staging or storage areas.
- Minimize contamination by reducing human handling.
Batch Staging
- Deliver exact quantities of raw materials to mixers, batchers, or blending stations.
- Support just-in-time processing and recipe accuracy.
WIP (Work-in-Process) Movement
- Transfer semi-processed products between production stages.
- Maintain consistent flow in bottling, fermenting, or cooking lines.
Finished Goods Handling
- Automatically move packaged products from end-of-line equipment to palletizers or cold storage.
- Seamless transition to outbound logistics.
Packaging Material Delivery
- Bring film rolls, caps, boxes, or cartons to packing machines.
- Reduce downtime due to restocking delays.
Waste & Byproduct Removal
- Transport waste, scrap, or byproduct bins to designated disposal or recycling areas.
- Maintain cleanliness and workflow efficiency.
CIP System Supply
- Transport cleaning chemicals or reusable containers to and from CIP (clean-in-place) systems.
- Improve sanitation practices.
Features Tailored to Food & Bev Facilities:
Real-Time Integration with MES/ERP/WMS
- AGVs sync with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for recipe-specific batch delivery.
- Automated lot tracking and traceability
Autonomous Task Scheduling
AGVs dynamically respond to production changes—auto-adjusting task queues, batch loads, or shipping waves.ment—wherever you are.
24/7 Autonomous (Wireless) Charging
AGVs auto-dock at charging stations when idle—no manual plugging or waiting.
Clean Room and Allergen-Zone Ready
Configurable zoning to ensure cross-contamination doesn’t occur between allergen-free and regular production areas.
SLAM & Natural Feature Navigation
SLAM enables devices to build a map of their surroundings while tracking their own location in real time, using sensors like cameras and LiDAR. Natural Feature Navigation relies on recognizing visual landmarks in the environment—like walls or furniture—for navigation without needing GPS or artificial markers.
Together, they provide accurate, infrastructure-free navigation that adapts to dynamic environments, making them ideal for mobile robots, and indoor navigation systems.
Multiple Fleets, Multiple Manufacturers, One Operating System
Get the smart system that keeps your operation moving faster, safer, and with less downtime. JBT’s mōt.OS is the intelligence behind your AGV fleet and can be scaled to accommodate hundreds of vehicles and thousands of storage points.
Real-Time Control
Monitor, analyze, and optimize performance with an intuitive interface
Cyber-Secure
SOC 2-audited, MFA-enabled, and ISO 27001 certification pending
Total Integration
Seamlessly connects with WMS, ERP, MES, and PLC systems
AI-Driven Efficiency
Predictive maintenance and traffic optimization for nonstop productivity
Safety Comes First. By Design
JBT leads the industry in AGV safety with a collaborative risk assessment approach and proactive safety planning that goes beyond compliance.
- Over 500 million safe operating hours in the field
- Active members of ANSI/ITSDF B56.5, ISO 3691-4, A3/RIA R15.08, MAG (MHI), ASTM F45
- Real-time obstacle detection and collision avoidance
- Comprehensive operator and facility training
- Ongoing safety optimization as environments evolve
Your employees’ safety is our top priority—from the first system design to long-term support.
Cybersecurity-Backed Innovation
JBT takes security as seriously as safety. As manufacturers adopt connected technologies, we help protect your operations from evolving cyber threats.
- SOC2 Type II Certification
- Continuous system updates and hardening
- Secure system architecture to safeguard data and uptime
Customer Care PRoCARE Packages
Our PRoCARE packages are designed to ensure your systems run smoothly, securely, and efficiently—so you can focus on delivering exceptional care.
Customized Service Plans
Flexible options tailored to your operational needs, budget, and performance goals.
Global & Local Support Teams
Rapid-response service from experts who understand your environment—wherever you are.
ROI-Driven System Optimization
Proactive insights and adjustments to maximize performance and extend system life.
Cybersecurity Support
Guidance and tools to help safeguard your infrastructure and maintain compliance.
Operator Training & Risk Mitigation
Hands-on education and best practices to reduce downtime and ensure safe, confident use.
How JBT Helps You Measure ROI
We’ll help you quantify the cost savings and productivity gains over time and how they align with your business’s investment criteria. Investing in AGVs is a strategic move and JBT helps you make the case clearly. ROI factors include:
Reduced labor and operational costs
Higher throughput and productivity
Fewer errors, product loss, and insurance claims
Longer equipment life with lower maintenance
Enhanced safety, compliance, and employee retention
Lower inventory shrinkage and better inventory control