Robotic Brisket Shear

Summary

Background
The automation approach adopts the use of a circular breaking saw fitted with a serrated knife blade and centring guides, which replace the manual operation of using a hand-held brisket shear. The system is located right before the hide puller on the production line where the briskets are presented with the carcase hanging from its forelegs
Research & Facilitated Adoption
The first automated brisket cutter system was developed and installed by MAR at Peel Valley Exporters in June 2008, a second system was installed at Burrangong Meat Processors and a third installed at Gundagai Meat Processors.   The system installed at Hardwick’s Meat Works in Kyneton Victoria (previously located at Castricum Bros) was the fourth system developed. The costs for moving the system from castricum was covered under P.MDC.0012.
The automated brisket cutter systems were part of a four stage approach to finalising the development of a fully functional automated system in preparation for commercialisation.
Ex ante and ex post cost/benefit studies were undertaken under projects P.PSH.0474 and P.PSH.0579. A separate CBA was undertaken under project A.CIS.0027 to review a New Zealand based brisket cutter design.  This gave similar paybacks to the MAR designed system, but the New Zealand system has not been further commercialised.
Outcomes
Significant changes in design and concept for the MAR system have taken place via continuous improvement of the system design with plant variations, equipment, technology and learning's influencing each stage of the development.   The brisket cutter is now fully developed, has been reduced in proice via value engineering and is available for sale.
This brisket cutting system can be lonked with a commercial Sani Vac System and will form one cell when installed on site.