Automated ovine shoulder break up follow-on

Summary

Background
The lamb forequarter is a primal component of the carcase requiring a series of bandsaw cuts to separate the neck, separate the shanks, and splitting to produce the square cut shoulder portions.  At processing line speed in the lamb boning room, this is a repetitive and physically demanding task.
Research
Several small stock processors in Australia expressed a requirement for a simple approach to shoulder break up that reduces bone dust and reduces and places distance between the operator and the band-saw removing the risks associated with performing the task manually. MLA funded two related projects to develop and trial at an Australian processor a prototype based on an ATTEC design for similar machines.
The main features of the machine were tested in test area in Denmark at ATTEC and the basic modules designed for testing in a two stage project. The first stage (A.TEC.0086) proved the capability can be reached using standalone modules. The second and final stage (A.TEC.0097) integrated the modules to a fully operational machine for testing in an Australian plant.
A related cost/benefit analysis also was carried out under A.TEC.0097
Outcomes
Initial trials were completed in a processing plant, and further technical changes were required.  The machine is expected to continue production trials in 2016.