AMPC partnered with JBS Australia to establish the JBS Innovation Culture Centre, the first of its kind for the Australian red meat processing industry.
The innovation culture centre was built on-site at the JBS Brooklyn processing facility in Victoria. It officially opened in February 2023 and has been used to host several AMPC immersive reality headsets, a shadow robotic station, and demonstrate exoskeleton solutions for staff to trial.
AMPC Co-innovation Manager Jemma Harper said, “We worked closely with the JBS Brooklyn team to establish Australia’s first dedicated red meat processing innovation culture centre. It’s a facility where AMPC can gather feedback on its technology solutions directly from industry.
“The JBS team can interact with our innovation and better understand how research and development solutions can be used in different areas of the processing plant.
“Having the innovation culture centre on-site allows our research and development providers direct access to industry for demonstrations, trials, and workshops.”
The innovation culture centre also acts as a safety and training facility for JBS staff.
JBS Brooklyn General Manager Craig Miller said, “Coming out of COVID, we learnt that we need to invest in our people and their professional development. We established the innovation culture centre to provide a resource for our people to develop their skills and understand what the future of red meat processing looks like.
“We’re building the capability of our people by exposing them to robotics and VR training tools in a safe environment. The centre is still in its first stage, but early signs suggest that it is assisting with the overall performance of the processing facility, particularly in our core pillar, people and culture. It has given our workforce a lift.
“It’s been a fantastic partnership with AMPC and as the centre evolves, we would like to engage more with industry and providers to trial new technologies and drive innovation for our industry.”
Stage two of the program will consider the inclusion of the other technology solutions including 3D printing and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).
Jemma said, “As the trusted partner in innovation for the red meat processing industry, we hope to work closely with industry to see more of these facilities across Australia.”
For more information about the JBS Innovation Culture Centre or to arrange a provider demonstration or workshop, contact AMPC co-innovation manager Jemma Harper at j.harper@ampc.com.au.