Background
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is the research, development and adoption (R&D&A) body for Australian red meat processors. AMPC are funded through mandatory statutory levies provided by our industry, Co-funding opportunities and can leverage Commonwealth matched funding.
The strategic plan reflects a comprehensive approach to future-proofing the industry. Over the next five years, AMPC will invest in three strategic pillars to advance the red meat processing industry in Australia:
- Innovation and technology leadership: Driving the future with bold leadership and transformative technology.
- Industry excellence: A sustainable industry built on integrity, innovation, and skilled people.
- Growth and global competitiveness: Expanding markets, increasing value, and leading the world in red meat.
AMPC contracts providers and engages with processors to undertake R&D in these areas. AMPC are looking for innovative solutions to the problems and challenges faced by red meat processors.
Challenge
Problem
Currently, bone-in cubing is performed manually using bandsaws, which cut lamb, goat or mutton carcasses into smaller, portion-sized pieces that include both meat and bone. However, this manual process presents significant challenges:
- Inconsistent cube sizes lower product quality.
- Bone fragmentation compromises food safety and quality.
- The labour-intensive process increases workplace safety risks, particularly with the use of bandsaws.
- Maintaining a consistent meat-to-bone ratio can be difficult.
Proposed Solution
AMPC are seeking an innovative solution to automate the bone-in cubing process for lamb, goat and mutton meat. The goal is to:
- Deliver high-quality bone-in cubes that meet market demand
- Improve cutting precision and reduce bone fragmentation
- Enhance worker safety
- Maintain product consistency
- Increase processing efficiency and optimise labour costs
Potential Impact
Automating the bone-in cubing process addresses the growing demand for ready-to-cook, portion-controlled cuts, enhancing the market appeal and retail value of lamb, goat and mutton products. This process allows processors to meet specific consumer preferences for traditional dishes (e.g. hot pots with curries and stews, where the inclusion of bones enhances both flavour and authenticity) with greater accuracy and consistency. By maximising carcass utilisation, minimising waste and improving operational efficiency, automated cubing not only transforms processing but also strengthens the competitiveness of Australian goat and lamb products in global markets.
What We Are Interested In
- Ability to process meat with the bone in
- Capable to handle hot, chilled, case-hardened or frozen meat states
- Ability to deliver consistent cubes within the target range of 25mm to 50mm
- Ability to process whole carcasses or portions like Forequarter, Hindquarter, Middle, or 6-Way cuts
- Minimising bone dust while maintaining high-quality portion control
- Bulk packing as the preferred method for finished cube packaging
What We Are Not Interested In
- Only processes boneless meat
- Require heavy manual intervention and do not significantly improve efficiency or safety
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should:
- Present a clear, innovative solution to automate bone-in cubing for goat/mutton.
- Address challenges like inconsistent cube sizes, bone fragmentation and workplace safety risks.
- Demonstrate the solution’s potential to enhance processing efficiency, reduce waste and improve product quality, leading to higher returns for processors.
- Provide detailed descriptions of the proposed technologies and methodologies
- Highlight the feasibility of scaling and implementing the proposed technologies in production environments.
Submission Details
Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals through the Leading Edge Only platform. The submission should include:
- A comprehensive description of the proposed solution or technology.
- Evidence of the solution's potential impact on automating the bone-in cubing process.
- Supporting data, past work, or examples of similar developed technologies that validate the proposal.
What's in it for you?
By participating in this challenge, innovators will have the opportunity to:
Collaborate with Leading Industry Players - Work directly with red meat processors across Australia, gaining valuable industry insights.
Leverage Research Partnerships - Benefit from AMPC's extensive relationships with various research organisations both within Australia and internationally.
Access Funding Opportunities - Utilise AMPC's co-funding opportunity and ability to secure matched funding from the Commonwealth government
Receive Comprehensive Support - AMPC has the capacity to support concepts/solutions at multiple stages of readiness, from initial ideation through to full-scale demonstration and implementation
Participating in this challenge not only provides a platform to showcase your innovative ideas but also offers the support and resources necessary to bring your concepts to life and drive real change in the industry.
If you have or are developing solutions, or if you have expertise in the above, please click "Apply" to submit your solution/expertise.