Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a prototype system that uses advanced imaging technology and a robotic cutting arm to automatically debone chicken and other poultry products. Researchers are planning to test the prototype in June. The research is funded by the State of Georgia through the Agricultural Technology Research Program at GTRI.
The Intelligent Cutting and Deboning System employs a 3-D vision system that determines where to cut a particular bird. The device automatically performs precision cuts that optimize yield. “Each bird is unique in its size and shape,” said Gary McMurray, chief of GTRI’s food processing technology division. “So we have developed the sensing and actuation needed to allow an automated deboning system to adapt to the individual bird, as opposed to forcing the bird to conform to the machine.” McMurray said he expects the Intelligent Deboning System to match or exceed the efficiency of manual processing and to increase yield, “which is significant because every 1 percent loss of breast meat represents about $2.5 million to each of Georgia’s 20 poultry processing plants,” he said.
