LEAP Program

Since 2004, MLA and RTL (Robotic Technologies Ltd, part of Scott Technology) have been working together on an integrated R&D strategy (known as the LEAP program) aimed at full automation of the lamb boning room.

The components of the LEAP suite of technologies are as follows: 

• LEAP II Hindquarter Boning system (developed separately to MLA and already installed in a NZ processing plant).
• LEAP III Primal Cutter (carcase separation into forequarter, middle and hindquarter). First prototype has been installed at an Australian plant and second commercial installation is now operational in NZ.
• LEAP II and LEAP III integration. Development of an auto loading system to remove the need of manual handling between the two systems.
• X-Ray imaging system incorporated into the commercial installation of the LEAp III primal cutter in a NZ processing plant.
• LEAP IV Bone-in Middle processing (research prototype underway)
• LEAP V Bone-In Forequarter processing (research prototype underway) 
• Future LEAP systems (e.g. Frenched rack, cutlets)

The Leap III Primal Cutter is the first section of RTL's automated boning room vision to become available commercially. 

The automated LEAP II Hindquarter Boning system is in the final stages of testing.

RTL has made some video footage of it's LEAP program available.