Robotic Hock Cutter

Description
The Robotic Hock Cutter is a robotic system that uses sensing technology and a robotic arm with attached cutting tool to remove the front and/or rear hocks automatically as the beef carcase moves along the chain.

Benefits
The benefits of the Robotic Hock Cutter include:

• Improved OH&S conditions for workers
• Labour savings
• Increased yield
• Improved food safety

Availability
This technology is currently in the research phase as a joint development with MLA and MAR, due for completion end 2009.

More Information
The system consists of integrated sensing technology, a robot and cutting tool.  This allows substitution of a human operator by an automated system doing the same beef hock cutting task.

Additionally, the project includes the design and manufacture of a proper stabilisation structure, so as to keep the carcase in a consistent position while it moves on the chain, hence allowing the correct sensing and hock cutting.

The system is intended to be fast enough to allow the cut of both hocks with only one robotic arm at the maximum chain speed of 240 head/hour.

A brochure outlining the benefits of the system is available from Machinery Automation & Robotics.