ATHENA

This fully automated process can handle the widest range of chicken breast weights at a speed of 6,000 per hour. Compared to other breast deboning equipment, ATHENA is distinguished by its yield, productivity, remote digitalized control, individual adaptive process, intelligent software and automatic harvesting.

Labor-saving

When products from the ACM-NT cut-up system come via the Breast Cap Positioner, they arrive uniformly singulated, so that no additional labor is required to position the breast caps. Now, only two operators are needed to put every breast into the loader, an ergonomically convenient and easy operation with no force required. It’s the automated loading system that puts the breast onto the product carrier.
At the end of the deboning process, diabolos effectively harvest the fillet from the carcass, saving several operators. ATHENA carefully positions fillets onto a conveyor for singulated presentation to downstream processes such as weighing, vision grading, inspection and portioning. Therefore, no operators are needed for manual singulation. Finally, ATHENA's data-driven approach drastically reduces the need for manual trimming.

Automatic adjustment

With fewer staff available to the plant, it’s convenient that ATHENA doesn't need adjusting during operation. The system doesn’t have any external hand wheels, levers or other mechanical tools. All settings are automatic or electronic, and data-driven.

Operating the ATHENA is easy via the intuitive HMI touchscreen. A single touch automatically sets the modules to adapt themselves to the expected weight of the incoming flock of products. These recipe settings will correspond to the different types of products, whether these be regular broilers, local or organic chicken. In addition, the PMD measuring module determines the size of each individual breast cap. Using this data, the settings of downstream modules are automatically fine-tuned to each individual breast cap. In this way, ATHENA can easily handle in-flock breast cap variations.

Modules

After the PMD measuring unit, the modules begin their work. Skinning, wishbone removal, trimming, separating, halving and harvesting are among the operations ATHENA performs on butterflies and breast fillets. When tenderloins are harvested separately, consecutive modules for separation, membrane incision and harvesting are activated. By-products such as baby tenders and eye meat can also be harvested, either as separate products or attached to the main breast meat.

• 6,000 products per hour capacity
• Automated loading system
• Automated harvesting
• Integrated SmartBase software
• Integrated HMI control touchscreen 

ATHENA collects data and tracks product through the deboning process. Using this data, ATHENA’s integrated SmartBase 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.

Connectivity

The standard integrated software in ATHENA is not limited to just the machine. Thanks to a maximum-security internet connection, it 'connects' the deboning line, offering remote monitoring. Anywhere in the world, the plant manager can see ATHENA's deboning figures. In addition, JBT Marel can help solve issues remotely, if asked by the processor.

The intelligent machine-to-machine communication of JBT Marel solutions enables ATHENA to link to upstream and downstream processes. Not only the product is conveyed but also its data (Digital Product Transport). By positioning the fillets in a singulated way,  ATHENA makes it easier for downstream digital processes to connect the relevant data to them.

Your trusted service partner throughout the equipment lifecycle - maximizing uptime, optimizing performance, controlling costs and delivering lasting peace of mind. The benefit of well-maintained equipment directly impacts your bottom-line. It prevents unexpected breakdowns, enables peak performance and quality output. It also extends the life of your equipment, protecting both your investment and your team with a more reliable and safe working environment.

Whatever your processing needs - from the products you run to the scale you operate in - our broad service capabilities, proactive service agreements, expert know-how and extensive coverage mean you’ve got the support you need – where and when you need it.