ATHENA offers data-driven, adaptive fillet harvesting with less labor
Poultry processors are looking for an automated deboning solution that creates maximum value from their raw material, fulfills orders precisely to individual customer specifications, and uses the least amount of labor. JBT Marel’s ATHENA breast deboning solution meets all these criteria. It can handle the widest range of breast weights at a speed of 6,000 per hour. Compared to other breast deboning equipment, ATHENA is distinguished by its yield, productivity, digital control, individual adaptive process, intelligent software and automatic harvesting.
JBT Marel’s ATHENA deboning system can handle a wide variety of chicken breeds with their different shapes and weights. Breast weights from 300 to 1500 grams can be processed without any problem. Even when big chicken breasts are fed to the ATHENA, no manual adjustments are needed. Based on the data of the measurement module at the start of the process, the other modules will set themselves to handle each individual breast, minimizing the need for (manual) trimming afterwards.
Less labor, high yield
Finding operators for poultry processing lines is currently a global challenge. ATHENA significantly reduces labor requirements by fully automating deboning operations from start to finish, including the final harvesting process. It precisely positions fillets onto a conveyor belt for singulated presentation to downstream equipment, eliminating the need for manual handling.
With fewer operators available in the plant, it is also convenient that ATHENA automatically adjusts all settings. No hand wheels, levers, or other mechanical tools are required, making operation consistent with the highest yield.
Easy recipe switch
Through the HMI screen, operators can select the appropriate recipe and required end product type. With a single touch on the screen, the recipe can be changed from regular broiler to concept chicken. All modules then automatically adjust to the weight and characteristics of the incoming flock.
The system consistently delivers end products according to specification, while always making optimal use of available resources. When the recipe is switched, for example, ATHENA stops producing butterflies with tenderloins attached and starts the production of half fillets without tenderloins
Holistic approach
JBT Marel’s ATHENA makes life easier in the processing plant. It collects data and tracks products through the process. Using this data, ATHENA’s integrated software gives real-time insight into line occupancy, loader efficiency and the machine’s general health status. It also monitors performance per product carrier in terms of product loss, successfully completed deboning steps, carrier damage and more.
The deboning line really gets ‘connected’ thanks to intelligent machine-to-machine communication. ATHENA not only conveys the product but also its data. The information about flock, recipe and end product destination even stays with the fillet after it has been released from the product carrier and passes automatically to downstream processes, making for a holistic approach to breast meat processing.
