Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various industries, including agriculture and agribusiness. At the forefront of this transformation is mode40, a Manitoba-based technology services company. Recently featured in a news article on the Manitoba Co-operator, mode40’s innovative approach to carcass cooling in the meat sector promises to enhance meat quality and safety, showcasing the profound impact of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT).
mode40’s Journey and Vision:
mode40, founded in 2020 by Cameron Bergen in his basement, has grown into a thriving company with a 40-person engineering team. Bergen, mode40’s CEO and co-founder, is driving the company’s mission to integrate cutting-edge technology into manufacturing processes. mode40’s latest venture aims to revolutionize meat processing through AI and IoT, ensuring optimal carcass cooling and significantly improving meat quality.
The AI-Driven Meat Quality Management System:
The project, officially titled “Commercialization of IoT and AI for Carcass Cooling to Improve Meat Profitability, Quality and Food Safety,” represents a groundbreaking approach to carcass quality control. Utilizing a network of smart sensors, AI, and mobile technology, the system continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and wind speed within meat processing facilities. This real-time data collection and analysis enable processors to make informed decisions on carcass cooling, preventing quality degradation and enhancing food safety.
Why It Matters:
The integration of AI in agriculture and agribusiness is not just about innovation; it is about improving best practices and data utilization. For the meat sector, this means better control over carcass cooling processes, leading to higher quality and more profitable meat products. As Bergen points out, addressing the critical elements of carcass cooling through advanced data collection and analysis is essential to preventing negative quality outcomes.
Path to Market:
mode40’s ambitious project received significant support, including over $465,300 from the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) and backing from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Innovative Solutions Canada Challenge. This funding is crucial for transitioning the project from in-house lab development to pre-commercialization.
The next step involves creating a minimal viable product and testing it at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lacombe Research and Development Centre in Alberta. Here, the technology will be validated in ten commercial meat processing plants, ensuring its effectiveness in real-world conditions. Bergen anticipates that after three months of fine-tuning, the system will be ready for market, with a commercial launch expected by early 2026.
Impact and Future Prospects:
The benefits of mode40’s AI-driven carcass cooling system extend beyond individual processors. Improved control over meat production processes enhances health and safety standards, ultimately benefiting farmers, processors, and consumers. Darrell Petras, CAAIN’s CEO, emphasizes that the investment in mode40’s project is a sound one, promising significant returns financially, socially, and environmentally.
Furthermore, the project highlights a broader trend in agriculture: the growing recognition that practical AI technology can simplify and enhance everyday operations. As Bergen notes, adopting innovative technologies is crucial for Canadian producers to remain globally competitive and capitalize on opportunities for efficiency and profitability.
Conclusion:
mode40’s pioneering approach to carcass cooling demonstrates the transformative potential of AI and IoT in the meat processing industry. By leveraging these technologies, mode40 is setting new standards for meat quality and safety, ensuring that Canadian producers can thrive in a competitive global market. As we look to the future, mode40’s innovations promise an unparalleled shift in technology use, leading to improved efficiency, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture and agribusiness.
For more details on our feature, visit the Manitoba Co-operator article.
