The Future of Meat Processing with Blake Wortley of Flow Waterjet

In the 80th episode of IoT Podcast: Over the Air, Ryan Prosser, CEO of Very, is joined by Blake Wortley, Global Product Manager at Flow Waterjet, a global leader in ultrahigh-pressure process solutions for the last 60 years.

Together, they explore how technology such as water jets, IoT, and robotics are revolutionizing the meat processing industry. As the labor shortage continues, companies are using robotics and advanced vision systems to improve efficiency, workplace conditions, and product quality, such as water jets.

Blake shares how the technology reduces risks of cross-contamination and offers a safe method to meet consumer preferences for various meat cuts. Additionally, they dive into Flow Waterjet's innovations and goal of maintaining its industry-leading position into 2025 and beyond.

Revolutionizing Meat Processing

Meat processing is definitely a sector most people don't consider when dreaming of their ideal career. It's a highly skilled and labor-intensive space, requiring a lot of care to manage meat under strict conditions, like maintaining cleanliness and proper cold storage. The need for specialized tools beyond the basic kitchen knife adds another layer of complexity.

As labor shortages persist across various sectors, companies are increasingly turning to technology to mitigate these challenges, enhancing workplace conditions while improving efficiency and product quality. The integration of robotics and vision systems is implemented to standardize processes and maximize output, showcasing a future where automation could significantly reshape the industry.

The Rise of Water Jets in Meat Processing

Blake touches on the fascinating use of robotics and AI in the food industry, especially in meat processing. Jobs such as handling uncut meat oriented for machine recognition on conveyor belts are not desirable for human workers. Unlike traditional blades, water jets operate at high pressures (up to 87,000 PSI) and offer a clean, precise cut without the risk of metal contamination or the hassle of blade maintenance.

Being approved by USDA, water jets ensure that cuts are uniform and minimize meat loss. The precision of water jets allows for exact cuts that cater to consumer preferences for boneless, skinless meats and even fun shapes like dinosaur nuggets for kids. Additionally, this technology significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, a major concern with traditional methods.

Cutting-Edge Efficiency

Although water jets have been around for a while, using them in conjunction with AI to meet the unique challenges of meat processing is quite innovative. Blake highlights how these high-pressure water jets enable precise and clean cuts, crucial for maximizing efficiency and meeting the demands of large corporations in a short timeframe. Additionally, by integrating these advanced machines into their operations, companies can quickly increase their capacity, helping them keep up with consumer demands without sacrificing quality.

The Future of Smart Machines

Looking ahead into 2025 and beyond, Flow Waterjet is pumped about staying at the forefront of technology. As the original creator of abrasive water cutting, the company has led the industry from the start and is committed to keeping it that way. Flow Waterjet has some exciting projects in the pipeline, including its newly launched Waterjet Connect platform.

To learn more and listen to the episode of Over the Air, visit: ?https://bit.ly/44cfred