Automated Forequarter Cell Installation for Lamb

Summary

This project will constitute an important element to support the supply chain productivity target outlined by MISP2020, and would facilitate AL Colac to become an industry showcase site featuring: X-ray primal (LEAP III), middle (LEAP IV), forequarter LEAP V), and hot-side DEXA grading.

MLA and Scott are currently developing a standalone (or optionally integrated) forequarter processing cell operating at 5cpm (P.PSH.0738). This proposed project will take the newly developed (Scott NZ Dunedin factory tested only) single cell and install it in-line at AL Colac’s boning room. The installed location will then enable: Scott, MLA, and AL Colac to evaluate and further refine the system in situ.

Objectives

To enable the installation in situ of the Scott-MLA evolved FQ bone-in single cell alpha prototype at a participating site. This project will develop for the Australian market a solution that is:

1. Smaller in footprint (per carcase throughput)
2. Able to handle Australian stock,
3. Has increased cycle time,
4. Has increased yield, and
5. Reduced final recommended retail price (based on a per carcase throughput)

Key findings

The installed location enabled Scott, MLA and the site to evaluate and further refine the system in situ. Before this installation this system has only been tested at the Scott factory in New Zealand, this project would allowed for the system to be tested under a production load, operated by multiple different personnel. This gave Scott the ability to find, work on and improve on any aspects of the system. The Manual Load Forequarter Cell has been successfully installed and commissioned to operate with lamb carcasses. It is important to highlight that the Manual Load Forequarter cell is designed to solely process lamb.

The average overall cut pass rate based on a visual inspection was recorded as +90% for lamb only. Product testing has determined that additional development and testing is required on the robot gripper internal clamps to accommodate product with narrow rib arches.

Benefits to industry

The project’s industry benefits include,
1. Is smaller in footprint (per carcase throughput) at 3687mm x 4920mm.
2. Is able to handle Australian stock.
3. Has reduced cycle time.
4. Has increased yield; and
5. Has reduced final recommended retail price (based on per carcase throughput).

Consistency and quality of yield provide a clear economic benefit to the customer. Social and sustainability benefits include a key emphasis placed on operator safety while improving on production. Due to the manual nature of the task, requiring repetitive motion and the need to work around hazardous meat processing bandsaws, the ability to have the operator out of harm’s way provides an additional benefit in terms of Workplace Health and Safety
The implication of the work on the red meat industry includes the focus on operator safety, the ability to automate a repetitive and hazardous task and the ease of integration due to having a smaller footprint.

MLA action

Demonstrated the single robot system operating in commercial environment plants which supported the wider adoption of the LEAP forequarter technology integrated into the broader LEAP system.

Future research

Additional investigation and research activities will be required under a future project to accommodate larger species such as ovine and mutton including products with narrow rib arches.