Robotic Fowl Positioning with Computer Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual fowl positioning systems in slaughterhouses are inefficient, leading to worker health issues and reduced meat yield, as they require repetitive and monotonous movements, and existing robotic systems are not effective for manually processing fowl on supports.
Innovation Solution
A fowl positioning system comprising a dosing belt with computer vision and a robotic arm with a clamping gripper that orients and positions slaughtered fowl on conveyor belts, allowing for efficient and sanitary placement on processing line supports, using FDA and USDA-approved materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of fowl on support lines is used, then workers can perform the task with simple equipment, but worker health deteriorates due to repetitive movements and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated robotic arm system that uses computer vision for detection and robotic mechanics for positioning. The robotic arm with specialized gripper eliminates repetitive manual movements while the computer vision system enables automated detection and positioning of fowl on support lines, thereby improving productivity without compromising operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the fowl positioning process to be self-sufficient by using computer vision to automatically detect fowl characteristics and the robotic arm to autonomously position them. The system serves itself by integrating detection, decision-making, and execution components that work together without human intervention for the actual positioning task
2Device complexity
If manual fowl positioning is used, then equipment complexity is low, but worker safety deteriorates due to health issues from repetitive movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that eliminates exposure to harmful repetitive movements. The robotic arm with specialized gripper and computer vision integration provides a reliable alternative that protects worker safety by removing them from the positioning task entirely, despite the increased device complexity
3Extent of automation
If existing robotic systems with computer vision are used, then automation level increases, but the system is not effective for manually processing fowl on supports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the robotic gripper with specific local characteristics (curved claws shaped to match fowl geometry) that enable effective handling. The computer vision system is also configured with specific parameters optimized for detecting fowl on support lines, making the automated system compatible with existing manual processing lines while maintaining adaptability
4Ease of manufacture
If fowl are positioned manually, then equipment cost is low, but meat yield decreases due to inefficient positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning with an automated robotic system that optimizes fowl placement for subsequent processing. The robotic arm with specialized gripper and computer vision guidance ensures consistent, precise positioning that maximizes meat yield by enabling more efficient cutting and deboning operations, justifying the higher manufacturing cost through improved productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Fowl positioning system, comprising a dosing belt, arranged to receive randomly oriented slaughtered fowl and dose them one by one on a conveyor belt linked to a computer vision system, the belt being arranged to sequentially position the fowl under the computer vision system in order to determine the placement in which each fowl is found on said conveyor belt, and a robotic arm with a gripper on the end, arranged to sequentially grasp each fowl from the conveyor belt and thread them one by one in a predefined position on one of the supports located in a fowl processing line, the robotic arm being linked to the computer vision system such that it determines the position for the gripper to clamp and release the fowl.