Intelligent Robotics Lead AI Vision Engineer Andrew Martchenko with a beef scribing robot at AMPC’s previous Innovation Showcase

THE Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s Innovation Showcase is happening in Brisbane next month, highlighting advances in diverse fields including automation, artificial intelligence, labour-saving, value-adding and other fields.

The event follows on from the previous successful inaugural Innovation Showcase held in 2022.

It will bring together red meat processors and industry participants from across Australia to experience new innovative ideas and technologies from AMPC’s research and development providers and hear and learn from world-class speakers, listen to panel sessions and participate in various workshops.

Innovation is a key processing industry objective at present, as flagged in this earlier article showcasing advances being made by JBS Australia.

The two-day Innovation Showcase event will be held on Wednesday and Thursday 10-11 September at Brisbane’s Convention Centre, highlighting the importance of adopting innovative solutions to build a stronger and more sustainable red meat processing industry.

AMPC interim chief executive officer Edwina Toohey said the Showcase would give red meat processors the opportunity to ‘see, feel, and touch’ R&D solutions so that they can think about how to adopt these technologies within their own businesses.

“The event will help red meat processors stay informed about the latest research and development and encourage the practical adoption of these innovations in their processing plants,” she said.

“We’re showcasing a huge range of projects, technologies and ideas from automation and AI to sustainability, workforce innovation, and global market readiness.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with new technologies and initiatives in the demonstration area, hear from AMPC research providers on stage, and take part in interactive workshops with CSIRO and Earlee Products.

Sessions will feature presentations on AMPC-funded projects including robotics, water reuse, animal welfare, neurodiversity in the workforce, digital traceability, and scope 3 emissions. Attendees will also hear from processors and research providers who are trialling and adopting these innovations.

Niels Duedahl, Danish Crown

Keynote speaker is Niels Duedahl, chief executive of giant Danish farmer-owned beef and pork processor Danish Crown, who will share his experiences leading innovation in one of Europe’s largest meat processors.

“Drawing on insights from adjacent industries, we firmly believe that meat processing can benefit from a mindset of creativity and continuous improvement. At Danish Crown, we are driving meaningful change across our operations by focusing on automation, sustainability, and consumer-led innovation,” Mr Duedahl said.

Also in the program, founder and CEO of Lumachain, Jamila Gordon, will discuss how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming the global food supply chain. Lumachain has partnered with AMPC and some of Australia’s leading processors on a range of projects helping transform the industry globally, including using AI and enhanced traceability to help showcase Australian red meat products to the world.

The supporting partner sponsoring the welcome dinner is Impetus Animal Welfare. Impetus CEO Michael Patching said AMPC’s focus on optimising stakeholder capabilities resonated with his company’s mission to leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI, integrated with CCTV cameras and sensors, to enhance efficiency and elevate industry standards.

“Together, we’re paving the way for smarter, more sustainable meat processing solutions,” Dr Patching said.

For information on the AMPC Innovation Showcase click here.