SUPPLY CHAIN Another LEAP forward for robotic processing important to the competitiveness of Australian value chains, but processors have limited resources to tackle this technical complexity and risk, while technology suppliers have limited resources due to the limited market for this specialised equipment. “The MDC partnership model is so important to address this market failure by pooling funds and managing risks. No producer levies are used in MDC projects – instead it matches Australian Government funds with voluntary investment from commercial partners.” Looking ahead Wagstaff Managing Director James Ralph said his company chose to support the technology evaluation The LEAP V forequarter system features a robotic arm and 3D camera. because automation was “the way of the future”. The latest innovation automation for high reliability and “Automation technology has improved in automated sheep throughput, the LEAP V features robotic very rapidly in the past five years, processing – the LEAP flexible automation, in which the robot driven by Scott’s work on the primal and V forequarter system by can not only compensate for variable middle systems,” James said. Scott Technology – has recently carcase sizes, but also manage variable been introduced into two cuttingnow looking to put“We’rerequirements orspecifications,” in a primal hesaid cutter at Cranbourne, at which point Australian processing plants. . we’ll be able to fully utilise the new MLA Value Chain Technology Program “Again, this is a world-first in meat forequarter system. Manager Christian Ruberg said the processing technology, and adds LEAP V was being evaluated at another$0.50 to $1/head in productivity“With these latest developments I value, processing at four carcases expect the rate of change in automation Wagstaff Cranbourne and JBS Brooklyn. to get a lot quicker. As an industry, we a minute.” A world-first, the system uses a need to get on board or be left behind.” 3D-vision camera to scan each Collaboration for innovation forequarter, creating a virtual model MDC has partnered with processors Next step and identifying cut locations for optimal and technology providers since The last piece of the lamb automation yield and consistency. A robotic arm 2002 to develop fully-automated and puzzle is the LEAP II hindquarter then grasps the forequarter and uses semi-automated equipment, which: processing, the most challenging a bandsaw to make the cuts. element due to the complex curved • adds value to lamb slaughter and cutting lines required to maximise yield. It’s the third module to be developed dressing in the LEAP suite of automated • improves meat yield Christian said it would require technologies, joining the LEAP III primal• increases processing efficiencies advanced X-ray imaging and force cutter and the LEAP IV middle system, feedback cutting, and was still “a work • delivers operator safety. in progress”. developed as a result of long-term collaboration between MLA Donor Christian said the LEAP suite’s Company (MDC), Scott Technology development was an example of Christian Ruberg and processors. MDC’s ability to address market failure. T: 02 9463 9142 E: cruberg@mla.com.au Christian said LEAP V provided more “Technology such as the LEAP V costs flexibility than the primal and middle in the order of $5 million to develop,” Check out videos on the systems, to meet the unique challenges he said. development of previous versions of forequarter processing. “Automation and its associated of LEAP: youtube.com/ “While the other modules feature fixed production efficiencies are very ScottAutomation+Robotics 42