Industrial Manufacturing Education & Research Software & Algorithm Provider Control & Software Systems
Hershey Company Leverages AI to Enhance Workforce Efficiency in Candy Manufacturing
Original from AutomationWorld.com: Dr. Pepper and the Chocolate Giant: How AI is Connecting Workers to Sweeter Outcomes

Hershey Company Leverages AI to Enhance Workforce Efficiency in Candy Manufacturing

The Hershey Company is implementing AI-driven digital transformation in its candy factories through a connected-worker platform developed by Augmentir. This initiative aims to enhance workforce efficiency by providing intelligent guidance and support to workers, addressing challenges such as labor shortages and skills gaps.

The integration of Augmentir’s AI-powered platform, known as 'Augie,' allows Hershey to tailor technology to its specific needs, capturing valuable data on worker performance. This data-driven approach helps identify areas for improvement, such as machine maintenance and worker training, ultimately leading to better operational outcomes.

As manufacturers increasingly adopt AI technologies, the focus will be on how effectively they can integrate these solutions into their workforce processes. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Editor's Note

The adoption of AI in manufacturing is reshaping workforce dynamics, especially in sectors facing labor shortages and skills gaps. Companies like Hershey are setting a precedent by utilizing connected-worker platforms to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. This trend highlights the importance of data-driven insights in optimizing human-machine collaboration in factory settings.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

Share

Related Articles/News

Foreign Leaders Explore Advanced Factories in China's Yangtze River Delta Region

Foreign Leaders Explore Advanced Factories in China's Yangtze River Delta Region

In early 2023, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung engaged with a humanoid robot during a forum in Shanghai, highlighting the increasing presence of technology in diplomatic visits. German Chancellor Merz and Serbian President Vucic also toured advanced factories, showcasing innovations in robotics and automation. The significance of these visits lies in...

Robotics Industrial Automation Smart Manufacturing
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026

This week in robotics: AI² Robotics raises $735M for wheeled humanoids, Unitree G1 performs first live surgery, Dexmal launches DexOS platform, Agility Robotics announces SPAC, and Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M. July 6–10, 2026.

RobotToday Weekly
FORT Robotics Enhances AI Safety with Nvidia Halos at Automate Conference

FORT Robotics Enhances AI Safety with Nvidia Halos at Automate Conference

FORT Robotics has joined the Nvidia Halos for Robotics ecosystem to enhance safety for autonomous robots. The company will showcase its agentic safety application, developed using the Nvidia Halos Outside-In Safety Blueprint, at the Automate conference in Chicago. This innovative solution utilizes external infrastructure sensors and visual AI agents to pr...

Artificial Intelligence Industry ai
Physical AI Landscape: From Digital Intelligence to the Embodied Physical World

Physical AI Landscape: From Digital Intelligence to the Embodied Physical World

A comprehensive industry analysis of Physical AI — covering Embodied AI, Field AI, Factory AI, VLM, World Model, VLA, and the VLA vs WAM architecture debate. Includes 20+ companies, 28 references, and the RobotToday Physical AI Landscape diagram. July 2026.

Artificial Intelligence
Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026

Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026

Piaggio Fast Forward showcases kilo®, an infrastructure-free collaborative AMR (300 lb payload, 360° LiDAR), at Automate 2026 booth #17054.

Market and Business News
RoboDK Enhances Manufacturing with Digital Twin and OLP Software Features

RoboDK Enhances Manufacturing with Digital Twin and OLP Software Features

RoboDK has introduced advanced features in its digital twin and offline programming (OLP) software, enabling manufacturers to simulate robotic cells virtually. This software allows users to model robots, tooling, and surrounding equipment, facilitating pre-installation testing of automation systems. Key functionalities include accurate robot simulation, c...

2026H2 Robotics Events Briefing: Tailored Recommendations for Robotics Readers

2026H2 Robotics Events Briefing: Tailored Recommendations for Robotics Readers

Discover the ultimate directory of global robotics events in 2026. Tailored briefings for engineers, investors, and founders on humanoid robots, AI, and industrial automation by RobotToday.

Events Market and Business News
ROBOTTODAY Weekly June 30 – July 4, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly June 30 – July 4, 2026

Unitree wins CSRC approval for China’s first humanoid IPO, Korea unveils ₩312T AI investment, RoboCup 2026 opens in Incheon, and Paris launches Europe’s inaugural Physical AI summit.

RobotToday Weekly
The Global Digital Economy Conference opens in Beijing, and Xiaoyu Intelligent Manufacturing launches the industry's first industrial embodied intelligent welding robot, with a standard version starting at a price of 1 ...

The Global Digital Economy Conference opens in Beijing, and Xiaoyu Intelligent Manufacturing launches the industry's first industrial embodied intelligent welding robot, with a standard version starting at a price of 1 ...

The Global Digital Economy Conference commenced in Beijing, showcasing significant advancements in technology and innovation. During the event, Xiaoyu Intelligent Manufacturing unveiled the industry's first industrial embodied intelligent welding robot, marking a notable milestone in automation and manufacturing capabilities. The standard version of this ...

Robotics Automation AI
When a Materials Giant Meets Robotics: Covestro at Automate 2026

When a Materials Giant Meets Robotics: Covestro at Automate 2026

At Automate 2026, Covestro brought Makrolon, Bayblend, Baysafe BEF and Vulkollan to robotics — tackling weight, heat, sensing and sustainability for humanoids and AGV/AMRs.

Market and Business News
Automate 2026 | A3’s Jeff Burnstein on the New Geography of Robotics Adoption

Automate 2026 | A3’s Jeff Burnstein on the New Geography of Robotics Adoption

RobotToday interviews A3 President Jeff Burnstein post-Automate 2026 on sector diversification, China’s 10x robot installation lead, a proposed U.S. national robotics strategy, and global cooperation through the IFR.

Market and Business News
The EV Déjà Vu: Why China's Humanoid Robot Blitz May Be Winning the Battle — but Losing the War

The EV Déjà Vu: Why China's Humanoid Robot Blitz May Be Winning the Battle — but Losing the War

China controls 80% of humanoid robot shipments and crushes hardware costs. But is winning the body enough? A deep analysis of the US-China robot war beyond the EV analogy.

Humanoids

Related Suppliers

AugmenAI

Developer of AI-powered platforms for industrial applications, focusing on agentic AI, multimodal LLMs, and workflow automation (note: site may redirect or relate to augment.co; limited direct technical details available).

Yeppar - Augmented Reality Technology

Yeppar is India based augmented reality company provides AR, MR and VR solutions worldwide through its unique app called Yeppar App. You can opt this app for augmentation in various fields like education, real estate, smart packaging etc. call us or request for a free demo. You can also visit our website for more information about our services.

Körber Digital GmbH

Provider of digital transformation solutions for manufacturing including AI-driven platforms, data analytics, IoT integration, and software for supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, and process digitalization in industrial environments.

Industrial Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain Software & Algorithm Provider

Pitotech (TW)

Pitotech is a Taiwanese engineering consultancy specialising in Industry 4.0 digital transformation. The company provides simulation, digital twin, and virtual commissioning services using tools including COMSOL and Visual Components to support smart manufacturing, virtual prototyping, and robotics integration for manufacturers.

Third Wave Automation

Third Wave Automation specializes in autonomous forklift technology, leveraging AI and machine learning for enhanced operational efficiency. Their shared autonomy platform integrates human oversight with automated systems, ensuring safety and productivity. The company aims to reduce operational costs by 25-46% while increasing throughput by up to 10 times, addressing workforce shortages in material handling and logistics sectors.

READY Robotics

ForgeOS is an integrated software platform enabling centralized control of diverse robotic systems and automation hardware. It supports multi-brand compatibility, facilitating seamless task execution and programming. READY Academy offers structured training modules, enhancing workforce competency in robotics. The Automation Readiness Assessment evaluates operational efficiency, while comprehensive project management ensures successful automation deployment. Documentation and support resources are available for user guidance.

Deplace AI

The product focuses on deploying Physical AI solutions in industrial environments, specifically factories and warehouses. It evaluates various AI models based on performance metrics and real-world applications. The platform facilitates task automation by analyzing specific use cases, providing data-driven insights, and ensuring alignment with key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize return on investment (ROI) in robotic deployment scenarios.

Foundational Industries

Foundational Industries develops AI-native autonomous factories using reconfigurable robotics, unified AI operating layers connecting design to production, and extensible work cells for high-mix manufacturing, enabling reshoring of critical supply chains with AI-enabled robotic systems for domestic high-quality, cost-competitive production.

Industrial Manufacturing Robot Manufacturer System Integrator

IUVO Srl (IT)

IUVO Srl (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna spinout) develops wearable exoskeleton systems for industrial worker assistance and rehabilitation, focusing on ergonomic support and human motion augmentation. URL resolved to unrelated IT services firm.

Matrix Technologies

US company deploying AI-driven platforms for mining and industrial productivity, focusing on worker safety, decision support, and operational optimisation. Backed by ARLP; serves enterprise mining environments with intelligent automation and monitoring systems.

Industrial Manufacturing Software & Algorithm Provider Healthcare & Senior Care

Soul Machines

New Zealand AI company (now in receivership as of February 2026) that developed lifelike digital human avatars powered by large language models for customer service and enterprise deployment. Created Digital Workers and Workforce Connect platforms.

Helsing

Helsing develops AI-powered defense drones and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for enhanced maritime surveillance and strike operations. These systems utilize advanced machine learning algorithms for real-time data processing and threat identification. The integration of sensor fusion technology allows for improved situational awareness, while robust communication protocols ensure secure data transmission in contested environments.