Historically, many companies have failed to innovate when new technology becomes available, squandering their success. Even household names have fallen victim to this phenomenon.
Unfortunately, brands in the cannabis industry can face the same burden. Recent data has shown that new technologies in automation and AI are driving the industry forward, and companies that don’t embrace this movement are setting themselves up for failure.
Even though technologies are advancing the cannabis industry, many growers are using subpar processes and equipment. This could be because of misplaced beliefs surrounding AI and automation or an unwillingness to invest.
Regardless of what is holding back cannabis growers, this article aims to enlighten cultivators about the AI and automation equipment that can advance operations.
An Overview Of Automation In Cannabis Extraction
Automation is transforming the cannabis industry, especially extraction processes. Automated cannabis extraction systems improve the extraction process by using technologies like rectification columns, chromatographs, and precision valves.
This automated equipment makes cannabis extraction far more precise and reliable while ensuring high-caliber quality control. It also enables faster extracting times, increased consistency, and more efficient production.
Moreover, automated systems in cannabis extractions allow growers to cater crops to specific strains and help them handle larger batches with fewer errors, labor costs, and safety hazards.
How Can AI Be Used In The Cannabis Extraction Industry?
With AI advancing numerous industries, it’s no wonder that more and more growers are turning toward its expertise. However, how can AI be used in the cannabis extraction industry? Based on research and thought analysis on the topic, growers are using AI to enhance product quality, optimize growth, and streamline operations.
AI can process plant health and environmental data to ensure a crop experiences the best possible growing conditions, reducing resource waste and maximizing yields. In addition, AI’s predictive analytics also help cultivators identify issues such as pest infestations and diseases before a crop can be affected. This allows growers to implement measures to counteract the potential problem before it happens.
Yet, AI is not only assisting cultivators in the cannabis industry; it is also positively impacting retail dispensaries. Retail dispensaries use AI tools to analyze customer data and personalize marketing techniques and product recommendations, helping the shopper experience.
In addition, AI technology is also reducing the likelihood of errors and penalties, simplifying compliance procedures, and automating the reporting and tracking needed by regulations.
Why Is Automation In Extraction Necessary for the Cannabis Industry?
To some, automation isn’t a necessity in the cannabis industry. While this might be true for small cultivators, it is not for larger-scale cannabis production companies. Before automation, growers couldn’t achieve commercial success without countless workers continuously on the clock.
Nowadays, because of automation in extraction equipment, every part of the growing process is more streamlined and efficient. With automation, less manpower is needed, crop quality and quantity are improved, yields are more reliable and resilient, and cannabis growing is more eco-friendly.
What Equipment Is Automated In Cannabis Extraction?
Gone are the days when cannabis equipment was operated by hand. Smaller growers might not use automated or AI-integrated technology, but many commercial cultivators do. Some of the most commonly automated equipment in the cannabis industry includes:
- Centrifuges: These devices are used to separate and clarify extracts.
- Rotary evaporators: In the cannabis industry, rotary evaporators remove solvents and concentrate botanicals.
- Vacuum ovens: Many growers automate their vacuum ovens to dry their crops effectively while ensuring reliable solvent removal.
- Pipettes: Pipettes are an automated liquid handling system that helps cultivators ensure accurate mixing and dosing.
- Distillation columns: Temperature control is vital for cannabis extraction, and automated distillation columns help with precise temperature control and extraction.
These are only a few examples of the equipment used in the cannabis industry. Far more equipment is involved in the extraction processes undertaken by companies producing cannabis products, but the above should give you an idea of what equipment is used.
What Can Be Automated In Cannabis Cultivation? – Extraction Equipment Processes
Intelligent technologies like AI and automation are not only for simple tasks like switching lighting at predetermined intervals or getting an irrigation system to water cannabis plants.
These technologies are complex and involve discovery, data collection, analysis, and action.
When done correctly, AI and automation can lead to massive returns in the cannabis industry, so more people are turning toward extraction equipment and processes that integrate AI and automation.
Closed-loop Hydrocarbon Extraction
Many growers use this specialized technique. It uses an extractor vessel sealed to the outside atmosphere. This vessel can be automated to ensure the safe use of solvents like CO2, propane, and butane, which is vital if you want to keep a lab safe.
Solvent Recovery
After cannabis is extracted, solvents like CO2 and ethanol remain in the cannabis oil, which needs to be separated. Automated solvent recovery systems use vacuum pressure and heat to recover and recycle solvents.
Supercritical CO2 extraction
This unique method uses highly pressurized carbon dioxide to extract terpenes and cannabinoids. In the cannabis industry, CO2 extractors are being wholly automated to better manage precise pressures, temperatures, and flow rates, reducing human error and optimizing yield to ensure efficient and concise extraction.
Winterization
When fats and lipids are removed from extracted cannabis, this process is known as winterization. Automated systems handle this process by controlling the filtration and freezing to speed up production and ensure growers are left with a more refined product.
Post-processing
After cannabis has been extracted, there are times when it needs to undergo further refinement. This is particularly true for cannabis oil. When cannabis oil needs to undergo post-processing, it will undergo distillation or decarboxylation.
These post-processing procedures are conducted by automated systems that apply the correct amount of heat to activate cannabinoids. At the same time, the automated system is also tasked with separating cannabinoids from impurities.
Does Automation and AI In Extraction Improve Safety?
Automation and AI in the cannabis extraction industry also keep human workers safe. With these systems in place conducting the above processes, humans are kept away from dangerous working zones. In addition, the benefits of automation in extraction extend far beyond safety.
Extraction systems can reduce human error by removing the need for mechanical valves. Moreover, these incredibly advanced extraction processes and equipment cut costs and increase throughput by lowering the time it takes to load and unload extraction vessels.
Sustainable Extraction Processes Achieved With Automation and AI
In the cannabis extraction industry, sustainability is becoming a priority. More and more companies are trying to minimize their environmental impact, which is challenging considering the many costs involved in extraction.
However, just because it is difficult does not mean it is impossible. With sustainability a priority, companies are striving to be the change the industry needs by driving the development of new sustainable extraction methods and equipment.
Some of these eco-friendly practices and types of equipment include:
- Microwave-assisted extraction: Although it might not sound real, microwave-assisted extraction is a newer technology that lowers the industry’s carbon footprint by consuming less energy during cannabis extraction.
- Supercritical and ultrasonic fluid extraction: Ultrasonic and supercritical fluid extraction are emerging methods that reduce solvent usage. These methods require significantly less solvent than traditional techniques, meaning less waste and curbing harmful pollution.
- Non-toxic solvent: Biodegradable, non-toxic solvents like CO2 are being adopted at an increasing rate since they support cleaner extraction processes and result in safer end products.
What Are The Challenges Of AI and Automation in Cannabis Extraction?
Although automation and AI in cannabis extraction equipment are integral players in the industry’s continued growth, there are challenges. For example, the initial investment in AI and automation is steep. Many companies don’t have the capital to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in AI and automated equipment. In addition, automated machines require consistent maintenance, monitoring, and calibration. This in itself can be costly and time-consuming which can affect extraction processes.
Companies wanting to automate or implement AI technology into their cannabis extraction processes and equipment usage must carefully consider these challenges and if it is worth the risk.
The Wrap-Up On Automation and AI In Cannabis Extraction Equipment
It’s evident that the advancements in AI and automation in equipment and cannabis extraction processes are significant. Automation and AI also carry several benefits that companies want. However, these intelligent technologies also come with their challenges.
Yet, as is the case with most things, these challenges can be overcome. Should companies choose to incorporate automated equipment and AI into their cannabis extraction departments, they can continue to meet the demands of the rapidly growing industry and ensure long-term sustainability and success.
References:
- https://greenvaultsystems.com/guide-to-automation-in-cannabis-cultivation/
- https://solink.com/resources/industry-insights/ai-in-the-cannabis-industry/
- https://cannabisindustryjournal.com/feature_article/rise-of-the-machines-the-case-for-automation-in-the-cannabis-industry/
- https://www.azorobotics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=613
- https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/business-issues-benchmarks/automation/article/15687280/the-future-of-ai-in-cannabis
- https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/automation-and-all-in-one-systems
- https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2023/04/27/exploring-the-latest-trends-in-botanical-extraction-equipment/67742/=
- https://preroll-er.com/data-confirms-automation-is-transforming-the-cannabis-industry/
