This would provide a basis for estimating if the bird needs to be reoriented and the subsequent location and orientation of the bird s legs. Next, the digital controller would determine a location and the position of the grasping mechanism in order to pick up the bird s legs. Finally, the grasped bird would be lifted and loaded onto a moving shackle. In addition to addressing quality and related problems, researchers anticipate the device will bring a net cost savings to the industry. Today s shackle lines typically run at speeds of 180 shackles per minute and require about eight workers to fill the lines with birds.
Researchers believe that the prototype can match that rate if three tireless units are used.
Although far from complete, the research team is enthusiastic about the project s progress to date. Work will continue on developing measurement and control systems for orienting the birds so that they exit the singulator in a unique direction. Attention will also focus on evaluating the birds responses to prototype devices that restrain them and pick up their legs. Georgia Tech . . Georgia Tech Research Institute . .