Shadow Robotics Remote Operations - Mimeo Shadow Robots (Stage 4)
This project delivered a fully integrated, dual-robot shadow robot system operating remotely in a live meat-processing pick-and-pack application, confirming that the remote-operation concept is sound in a production environment.
The trial application was the packing of lamb brisket (breast) pieces on the IW line at JBS Brooklyn, with the robots operated remotely by a trained operator from within the facility and from New Zealand.
The project confirmed that the remote-operation (shadow robot) concept works. In addition, the project showed how a shadow-robot system, when combined with machine learning, can be a tool for increasing automation. It was shown that it was feasible to step from remote selection to automated selection. In this use case where packing requires in-room support, automating selection and increasing picking/packing to manufacturing line speed for both robots holds the key to realising the value proposition.