Beef striploin fat removal - Stage 2B: Controlled variable thickness robotic fat trimming

31 August 2023
Focus area: Carcase primal profitability optimisation
Program stream: Advanced manufacturing
Project number: 2023-1038
This study forms stage 2B of an overarching project to develop a world-first robotic solution for fat trimming of beef striploin primals. 

Under Stage 2B, the project has developed and trialled a controllable powered trimming tool, integrated for testing with a robot that uses ultrasonic and laser measurement of the striploin to determine cutting paths for trimming a uniform fat cover. The controlled process aims to reduce the over trimming often observed in the manual process.

Project trials indicated a potential capability in fat trimming of striploins avoiding over trimming by at least 2 mm with results considered positive by AMPC and host plant.

AMPC will consult with industry to determine if a Stage 3 development should be considered with the aim to develop this robotic trimming approach defined in Stage 2B into a production prototype.

 
Previous in this focus area 03 January 2023 Astech PW bandsaw (hands free) set weight Next in this focus area 21 June 2022 Beef striploin fat removal (Stage 2A) - twin-head laser and ultrasonic 3D fat-lean boundary profiling subsystem