Regulatory Requirements and Risk Assessment framework for Automated Vehicles in Feedlots

Summary

MLA project B.FLT.1006 ‘Prototype feedlot autonomous mobile robot for bunk calling’ resulted in production of an autonomous light vehicle termed 'BunkBot’ by Brisbane-based robotics firm Manabotix to autonomously read feed remaining in cattle feed bunks. While MLA Project B.FLT.1006 developed a working prototype, it was not integrated into the day-to-day bunk calling operation of the feedlot.

As part of the development of the BunkBot and other automated vehicles, there is a need to understand the regulatory requirements and develop a safety management framework that can be extended to the use of automated vehicles at other feedlots in the future. ARRB is the primary advisor on safety certifications, vehicle licensing and insurance framework, training and technology development related to connected and automated vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

Objectives

1. Deliver a literature review covering regulatory requirements for automated vehicles on private property including feedlots.
2. Develop a risk assessment framework and safety management plan for automated vehicles on feedlots.

Key findings

• The investigation of the AV regulatory environment in feedlots found no unified codes of practice with the possibility to adapt frameworks from other domains, acknowledging the unique operational environment presented by feedlots.
• To satisfy state-based occupational health & safety legislation, feedlots are recommended to develop their own safety management plan utilising the framework developed in this report.
• Included is a safety management plan checklist which includes all necessary actions and documentation for deploying AV technology. The report details key components of the checklist including risk registers and a safety checklist, a traffic management plan and an incident management plan. The checklist should be audited by relevant stakeholders.
• Consideration should be given by feedlots to automated vehicle technology education and training.

Benefits to industry

The development of a safety management plan framework for automated vehicles (AV) benefits the feedlot industry by encouraging safe and sustainable AV operation.

MLA action

Possible future investment options include developing a Code of Practice for automated vehicles once emerging adoption begins in the industry.

Future research

MLA will continue to invest in automated vehicle research for feedlots.