A new robotics solution designed to tackle labor shortages and strict sanitation demands in the food industry is making its debut this week in Atlanta. AAA20 Group, a Las Vegas–based innovator in flexible automation, is introducing its CP-66-WD wash-down collaborative palletizer at the International Production & Processing Expo.
The new system reflects a growing push toward automation in protein processing, where labor shortages and rising operational costs continue to strain producers. Priced at about $5,000 per month under AAA20’s Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, the CP-66-WD offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional automation systems that often require significant upfront investment.
Built specifically for food and protein processing environments, the CP-66-WD is engineered to meet strict sanitation standards. The robot is waterproof and carries an IP69K rating, meaning it can be fully power-washed—an essential requirement in facilities handling beef, poultry, and other regulated food products. This feature allows manufacturers to automate palletizing tasks without compromising hygiene compliance.
According to AAA20 Group co-founder Marcus Kurle, the system addresses two of the industry’s biggest barriers: space limitations and sanitation requirements. Compact in design, the CP-66-WD can be integrated into existing production lines without the need for large-scale construction or safety cages, which are typically required with traditional robotic systems.
Protein processors have been particularly hard hit by workforce challenges, with many struggling to fill physically demanding roles such as manual palletizing. By automating these tasks, companies can improve efficiency, stabilize production output, and reduce dependency on hard-to-staff positions. The result is not only cost savings but also a more resilient supply chain.
The launch comes amid increased attention on advanced manufacturing solutions that support domestic food production. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, including Administrator Kelly Loeffler, recently visited AAA20 Group’s Las Vegas facility, highlighting federal interest in technologies that strengthen the U.S. food system.
Unlike conventional automation models, AAA20’s subscription-based approach allows manufacturers to scale operations without committing large capital expenditures. This flexibility is especially appealing in an industry where demand and labor availability can fluctuate rapidly.