Remote operations shadow robots stage 1

01 January 2022
Focus area: Hands-off processing
Program stream: Advanced manufacturing
Project number: 2021-1058
Remote operations shadow robots stage 1
This project funded the design, build, test, and evaluation of a remote operated robotic system that can be used to move hands away from bandsaw meat cutting. 

The system that was set up included a robot positioned adjacent to the bandsaw where the meat to be cut was held by the robot. The position of the robot was controlled by an operator situated at an operator’s workspace out of reach of the robot and bandsaw. The operator moved a tracked object within the operator’s workspace. The robot end-effector “shadows” the motion of the tracked object in real-time so that the operator can manipulate the meat to be cut by the bandsaw. 

The proof of concept was successfully completed, and early results show that the cutting is accurate, and beef racks can be cut in under a minute. 

A provisional patent has been filed for this concept.
 
Previous in this focus area 03 January 2023 Astech PW bandsaw (hands free) set weight Next in this focus area 03 June 2022 Review of harvest floor, chiller and boning room RFID deployments in industry (Stage 1)