Semelog: enabling circular reuse through industrial robotics
26 October 2026Semelog: enabling circular reuse through industrial robotics
26 October 2026
Equans Digital builds a scalable line for 130,000 reusable containers per day
How do you turn a circular concept into a reliable industrial operation? Semelog wanted to wash, inspect and return reusable stainless-steel meal containers to circulation on a large scale. Equans Digital helped engineer the solution: an integrated line combining industrial robotics, automation, machine vision, artificial intelligence and traceability. This enables Semelog to combine high throughput with consistent quality, food safety and operational continuity.
From circular ambition to industrial process
Semelog needed to translate a new business model into a robust production environment. The installation had to process large volumes, track every container individually and meet stringent hygiene, quality and availability requirements. The concept also needed to be economically scalable and help local authorities structurally reduce single-use plastics.
End-to-end-expertise in industriële robotica
Equans Digital supported Semelog from engineering and integration through to implementation. The teams brought together 22 industrial robots, 9 washing tunnels, vision systems, artificial intelligence and QR-based traceability in one coherent solution. This end-to-end approach reduces integration risks, accelerates commissioning and gives Semelog a single partner capable of aligning technology, data and production requirements.
Scalable performance with measurable impact
The line processes up to 130,000 items per day with consistent quality and full traceability. Automation reduces manual handling and increases operational reliability. The model helps avoid 450 tonnes of plastic waste every year and supports 26 local authorities.
“This industrial challenge could not have been met without the Equans Digital teams. They shared their expertise and experience and, above all, took a proactive approach.” - Gilbert Branchet, CEO of Semelog
Frequently asked questions about Robotics
Do you have questions about our Robotics solutions and related services? We are here to explain everything clearly and simply.
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Industrial robotics is particularly cost-effective for repetitive processes involving sufficient volume, quality pressure or ergonomic risks. A business case should weigh the investment against capacity, rejects, labour requirements, safety and total cost of ownership. Equans Digital helps assess these parameters objectively at an early stage and translates them into a feasible roadmap.
Start with a clearly defined process, measurable objectives and clear parameters. Map product variation, cycle times, available space, interfaces and safety requirements. Equans Digital connects this analysis with engineering and integration, ensuring the concept remains scalable from the outset.
Yes, provided the technical interfaces and production flows are thoroughly assessed in advance. A phased integration can limit downtime and enable validation at each process stage. Equans Digital aligns robotics, automation and data with the existing installations and operational schedule.
Safety and quality are built into the risk assessment, cell architecture and control logic from the design stage onwards. Sensors, machine vision and validated process steps support consistent output. Equans Digital integrates these components into a single system while taking the applicable industrial requirements into account.
Traceability requires unique identification and reliable data exchange between machines and systems. This allows product flows, quality checks and deviations to be tracked throughout the entire process. Equans Digital connects robotics with industrial data, giving decision-makers control over performance and compliance.
A robust design, advance testing and phased commissioning reduce operational risks. Clear responsibilities and one integrated schedule help prevent surprises between technology partners. With its end-to-end approach, Equans Digital safeguards consistency from engineering through to delivery.
Choose a modular architecture that can support additional robots, product variants and data applications. At the same time, define standards for interfaces, maintenance and cybersecurity. Equans Digital designs industrial robotics with scalability, performance and the full lifecycle in mind.
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