Category: News
WMH is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the Automate UK 2026 Awards in the Innovative Processing System category for its advanced Caterpillar Cake Pick and Place System.
Designed and developed by WMH for one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of pre-packed cakes and baked goods, the system was created to address two key challenges within the production process: improving product quality and reducing waste while packing the iconic caterpillar cake.
The innovative solution utilises two Mitsubishi industrial robots equipped with specially designed, food-safe grippers. These bespoke end effectors gently pick the delicate cakes directly from the production line before accurately placing them onto cake boards that have been dosed with chocolate ganache. The cakes are then transferred for final retail packaging.
By automating what has traditionally been a highly skilled manual process, the system delivers greater consistency, improved product handling and increased production efficiency, while helping to minimise product damage and wastage.
Being recognised by Automate UK, the UK’s leading trade association for industrial automation and robotics, is a significant achievement and highlights WMH’s ongoing commitment to innovation and engineering excellence within the food manufacturing sector.
The shortlisting is particularly meaningful as the company celebrates its 50th year in business, marking five decades of delivering automation solutions to manufacturers across the UK and beyond.
“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, especially during our 50th year in business,” said a spokesperson for WMH. “This recognition reflects the creativity, dedication and technical expertise of our engineering team, as well as the strong partnerships we enjoy with our customers. We are proud to develop automation solutions that deliver real operational benefits while helping manufacturers improve quality and reduce waste.”
The Automate UK Awards recognise outstanding achievements in automation, robotics and manufacturing innovation, bringing together some of the most forward-thinking companies and technologies from across the industry.