Rockwell Automation is presenting advanced industrial automation and digital transformation technologies at Interpack 2026, highlighting how digital twin solutions are reshaping food and beverage manufacturing operations. Through a fully virtualized cookie production and packaging line, the company is demonstrating how manufacturers can integrate processing and packaging systems into a unified, data-driven environment to improve operational efficiency, flexibility, and long-term performance.
The showcase features a digitally connected production line that replicates the complete lifecycle of cookie manufacturing, beginning with dough preparation and extending through forming, baking, cooling, packaging, and palletizing. The integrated system demonstrates how manufacturers can create seamless workflows across multiple production stages while enabling greater collaboration between machine builders, system integrators, and plant operators.
At the center of the demonstration is Emulate3D digital twin technology, which creates virtual models of production equipment and factory systems. The platform allows manufacturers to simulate and validate mechanical, electrical, and automation processes before physical commissioning, helping reduce implementation risks, shorten deployment timelines, and improve production line performance. The virtual production environment also incorporates iTRAK intelligent track technology, enabling flexible machine movement and optimized production flow within automated packaging operations.
The demonstration has been developed in collaboration with companies across Rockwell Automation’s PartnerNetwork ecosystem. The virtual production line integrates technologies from multiple original equipment manufacturers and solution providers, including Royal Kaak for dough mixing systems, GEA for depositing, baking, and cooling technologies, Mespack for primary packaging, Vimco for secondary packaging, and Cetec Industrie for palletizing operations.
Ashkan Ashouriha, Senior Global Enterprise Solution Architect at Rockwell Automation, said the virtual cookie production line demonstrates how manufacturers can connect multiple production stages into a single intelligent system using real engineering and machine data. He noted that digital twin technologies can help companies accelerate implementation timelines, improve operational visibility, and achieve more predictable production outcomes from the start of operations.
The end-to-end system is supported by a connected data architecture built on the FactoryTalk Optix platform, which creates a unified source of operational data across processing and packaging environments. The architecture enables performance monitoring, product traceability, digital twin integration, and AI-driven analytics across multi-vendor production systems.
 Rockwell Automation continues to operate as a global provider of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, supporting customers across more than 100 countries. The company focuses on integrating technology with human expertise to improve productivity and sustainability across industries. The latest recognition reinforces Rockwell Automation’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity while delivering value to customers, employees and the broader community.
