Summary

This project proposes to undertake a scoping study for the ginger industry to firstly investigate the existing approaches and processes in the predominant ginger regions, and then conduct a desk-top study of technologies from other industries that could address the challenges and limitations identified in the background. The scope of this work will be limited to cutting and spraying technology, as well as fresh market ginger processing automation.

Program

Ginger

Research Organisation

University of Southern Queensland

Objective Summary

To achieve the aim, the following activities will be undertaken:
1. Researchers meet with ginger producers, discuss approaches and processes currently being used and document the factory manual and automated systems;
a. Automation potential is discussed and terms of reference developed between the producers and researchers to achieve the desired results
2. Desk top study to identify the automation opportunities and potential off-the-shelf technologies that may assist the industry.
a. These technologies will be presented within a automation system and will be discussed in terms of economic and process characteristics
3. A draft report will be presented to the producers for comment, with these comments documented and addressed as feasible and within scope.
4. A final report will be prepared and submitted.
The deliverable from this work will consist of a final report detailing the scoping study and automation opportunities.
This will be due on the 31st of October 2018, which allows sufficient time for adequate industry consultation to ensure the report meets industry expectations within the terms of reference and scope.