AI-driven beef scribing technology successfully trialled at two Australian processing facilities
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) has successfully supported the development of AI-driven fully automated robotic beef scribing systems at two Australian processing facilities, marking a significant step in the adoption of advanced automation in the red meat processing industry.
The technology, developed by Intelligent Robotics in partnership with processors Kilcoy Global Foods (KGF) and Australian Meat Group (AMG), has now been trialled under commercial conditions at both KGF’s Kilcoy facility and AMG’s Cootamundra plant in New South Wales.
Beef scribing is the first step in carcase breakdown and is traditionally one of the most highly skilled, physically demanding and safety-critical tasks on the processing floor. The AI-enabled system uses machine vision and robotics to identify cutting points and perform scribing with a high degree of consistency, removing the need for manual saws.
AMPC Program Manager – Advanced Manufacturing, Stuart Shaw, said the completion of trials at two very different processing sites provides valuable insight into how the technology performs across operating environments.
“Having two variants of the development in full production at both Kilcoy and AMG gives the industry much clearer visibility on performance, integration requirements and what adoption could look like in practice for processors considering automation in safety-critical or highly skilled roles to improve efficiencies,” Mr Shaw said.
At AMG, the system has been running for around nine months at the company’s Cootamundra facility, which can accommodate advanced processing technologies such as automated beef scribing.
AMG Managing Director Gilbert Cabral said the early results were encouraging, particularly in terms of improved accuracy and yield, noting that the project is currently 9 months into an 18-month trial period.
“The trial is at its midpoint,” Mr Cabral said. “We moved forward based on the potential yield benefits, and the initial results are already demonstrating that we can achieve significantly greater detail in our specifications. As the trial continues, further data collection and analysis will build on these outcomes.”
Watch the automated beef scribing system in operation at AMG: youtu.be/coCfES9NwkU
At Kilcoy Global Foods, the technology has been operating for a longer period and has provided the company with the confidence to invest in further automation initiatives.
KGF Australia President Jiah Falcke said the consistency delivered by automated scribing has delivered clear operational benefits downstream.
“More than 90 per cent of carcases are now being cut to within millimetres of the target line, a critical step in setting the boning room up for success,” Mr Falcke said.
“It reduces variation, improves ergonomics for downstream teams and ensures customers receive product that consistently meets specifications. Our customers open their boxes and notice the difference, we’re getting great feedback.”
An independent third-party cost benefit analysis of the Kilcoy installation found the automated scribing system delivers a gross benefit in line with original project scope achieving the estimated payback period.
“Kilcoy is invested in the next stage of robotics. The project is opening doors for other AI opportunities in our industry, not just for beef, for lamb too,” Mr Falcke said.
Technology provider Intelligent Robotics said the development demonstrates how AI and robotics can be applied to complex processing tasks that were previously considered difficult to automate.
Intelligent Robotics Director Clyde Campbell said the system was designed in close collaboration with processors to address real on-plant challenges.
“When we embarked on the first development, it was to help processors increase yield by improving cutting accuracy,” Mr Campbell said. “Processors identified the need to have the primal cuts in the right location. If you get the scribing cuts very accurate, the improvements flow all the way through to the boning room.”
Independent validation undertaken during the project confirmed the system can achieve high levels of cutting accuracy across a wide range of carcase sizes and conditions, while operating at commercial line speeds.
“It’s about delivering safer, smarter and more valuable outcomes – quality every time,” Mr Campbell said.
The beef scribing project forms part of AMPC’s broader Advanced Manufacturing program, which focuses on improving safety, productivity and long-term competitiveness for Australia’s red meat processors.
For more information
Contact Acting Head of Communications and Media – Sarah Clarry on 0419 547 760 or email s.clarry@ampc.com.au
About the Australian Meat Processor Corporation
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is the research and development corporation for the red meat processing industry in Australia. As the research, development and marketing service provider for Australian processors, AMPC runs programs of activity funded by processor levy payers, private contributions, and the Australian Government. AMPC’s mission is to drive world-class innovation, adoption and strategic policy development through genuine partnerships built on trust.