The first module in this ‘beef boning automation’ program is the automated removal of the chine bone from striploins and cube rolls.
A new $3.7 million research and development project is expected to pave the way for the introduction of safer and more productive automated boning rooms in Australian beef abattoirs.
The 50:50 partnership between MLA Donor Company (MDC) and Scott Automation and Robotics will apply new technology now being used in some lamb processing plants to the beef industry, unlocking returns of up to $15 per head and major workplace safety benefits in the industry.
The new beef automation project will provide a perfect complement to Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) DEXA objective carcase measurement initiative, with the x-ray images generated by that technology used to precisely guide automated cutting modules.
MLA’s General Manager – Research, Development and Innovation Sean Starling said the introduction of beef boning automation in conjunction with DEXA would benefit the entire supply chain and make Australia’s high cost processing sector more profitable and sustainable in the long term.
Mr Starling said MLA was committed to ensuring the project delivered the broadest benefit to industry and, with the Australian Meat Processing Corporation’s support, had established a steering committee of leading meat processors to guide the project.
“Following previous advances in robotic beef rib cutting technology, the development of beef DEXA systems and the success of the world class LEAP lamb boning automation – which is returning a $5 per head benefit – we’re now ready to apply the same automation technology in beef processing,” Mr Starling said.
“The first module in this ‘beef boning automation’ program is the automated removal of the chine bone from striploins and cube rolls. The project will also investigate automated trim removal and striploin and cube roll marbling measurement while deboning.
https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/partnership-paves-way-for-beef-boning-automation/
