Summary
Background
Kidney fat removal in lamb processing is one of the dressing tasks which can be automated leading to futher supply chain productivity and competitiveness.
Research & Facilitated Adoption
The concept was developed in 2003 under project P.PIP.0069 in collaboration with Food Science Australia.
Subsequent projects (P.PIP.0194 and P.PIP.0262) led to a production ready system at two processors. The robotic kidney fat removal system was developed in collaboration with MAR and these two large processors, and removed the kidney fat from the carcase prior to the final trim on the slaughter floor.
The system identified the kidney fat and used a vacuum wand to remove the kidney fat from the carcase.
A subsequent cost/benefit analysis (P.PSH.0579) identified that the main saving was labour rather than yield, with the system most suited to a large two shift plant.
Outcomes
The system has been technically successful and is now commercially available.
