R&D update
New shearing prototypes underway
Local ingenuity is being used by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) in its search for new, low-cost, modular, upright wool harvesting technologies to replace back-breaking conventional shearing.
As part of its $13 million Wool Harvesting Program, AWI is funding four companies to develop an upright posture shearing platform (UPSP) that is more efficient and safer than conventional shearing.
AWI Wool Harvesting Program Manager George Waldthausen said each company was being funded to further develop their research designs into commercial prototypes.
"The research designs from each company are very promising," Mr Waldthausen said.
The program is expected to result in a range of benefits for the industry, including:
- reduce the 700 shearer injuries occurring each year that cost the Australian wool industry $44 million;
- boost wool harvesting productivity and efficiency;
- increase wool quality;
- lift occupational health and safety (OH&S) standards; and
- encourage new people into the profession.
To ensure the designs meet the needs of shearers, AWI has teamed professional shearers with each design company, and will have a team of four technical experts visit each company to help with technical or engineering aspects.
The commercial prototypes will then be tested in extensive commercial field trials. If successful, the aim is to then fund the development of multiple mobile stand systems.