AMPC Innovation Challenge AMPC would like to hear from providers/developers who believe that they could develop a solution that: Remove operational staff form knifing (and holding) the product. Of the two removing the knife actions is the main foci (and hence semi-automated solutions are also an acceptable consideration). Uses no water (during operations). Recovers the intercostal as a saleable product item. Ideally can remove the intercostals as a single 'finger' of meat. If you are a solution provider or developer and would like to be financially supported by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) to demonstrate and evolve your offering in 'waterless frenching' and demonstrate it in meat processing environments please reach out to myself on LinkedIn or my AMPC colleague, Stuart Shaw. About AMPC AMPC is an industry body that facilitates industry and researchers/providers in undertaking/adopting innovation and R&D for the Australian red meat processing sector. We do this by having access to an industry levy and matching Aust. Fed. Govt. R&D funds (50% from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment - The Hon. David Littleproud MP & Andrew Metcalfe AO). We invest in others undertaking R&D. Note we do not undertake any of the R&D ourselves. Think of AMPC as innovation investment managers (without taking equity).

1. Build and evaluate
promising concepts
proposed from Stage 2
(Alpha Prototypes)
• Demonstrate working in
‘engineering’ workshop
• Ascertain what additional
R&D and or infrastructure is
required for evolution to Beta
prototype based on customer
pull requirements.
Secure:
• Secure an ovine boning room
for evolution into Beta
protype.
Image source: Vector Solutions
Waterless Frenching
Stage 5
Adoption
Stage 1
Previous developments
& existing solutions
> 2024
Completed $TBA $TBA $TBA $TBA
2021 2021-2022 2023-2024
Location: Provider locations
Location: Providers location
Developers to
understand past R&D,
and current providers
Past R&D (examples)
• Ice Jet cutting
• Wire Cutting
• Robotic Knife Cutting
Current Providers (examples)
• McLaren Stainless
Image source: McLaren Stainless
TRL
7-9
Location: Processor Production
Stage 2
Technology pilot
validation
Location: Past activity
Stage 3
Alpha Prototype
Stage 4
Beta Prototype
Location: Processing R&D room
Use AMPC PIP model
to support early
adopters (and
further development
requirements)
Notes:
• Support the further
development and
adoption of units 1-5 for
each end use application
identified.
Evolve Alpha prototype
into a plant ready trial
unit
(Beta Prototypes)
Notes:
• Evolve a Beta prototype and
demonstrate operational
functionality in an R&D
boning room.
• Ascertain what equipment
and processing site changes
are required to evolve the
concept into a product
prototype.
Image source: R&D Room
TRL
1-3
Stage 4b
Production Prototype
Location: Processing Production
Evolve Beta prototype
and install permanently
into production line
(Pilot Production Prototypes)
• Modify prototype to ensure
improved ease of use and
ability for easy cleaning.
• Develop operating manuals,
service manuals and training
programs.
• Undertake required
processing changes to
incorporate solution into daily
operations
• Support and maintain for
three years
Image source: Processing Plant
TRL
4-5
TRL
1-9
Conceptual designs
Appearance Model
• Develop sufficient detail designs
to demonstrate the potential
end results.
• Identify enablers within the
design (i.e.. vision, clamping,
cutting etc)
Enabler Proof of Concept
• Simplistic demonstration of
enablers.
• Enablers do not need to be
operating in tandem
Costing
• Indicative CAPEX and OPEX
• Stage 3 POC demo submission
Image source: Facebook
TRL
3-7
TRL
6-7