Announcement: BeefLedger working with Data61 to trial new technologies

Improving the cost and ecological effectiveness of remote sensors is crucial to the growth of IOT-enabled business improvement. That’s why BeefLedger is pleased to be working with Data61 to field test some emerging sensor power technologies that have the potential to deliver better cost efficiencies, greater reliability with a better environmental footprint for remote sensors.

A key area of concern in the supply chain of beef, and other perishables, is having a clear “line of sight” on product conditions during transportation. In recent years there has been a boom in temperature sensors, and BeefLedger has worked with quite a number of vendors in this space.

One of the issues we are mindful of is the whole of life environmental footprint of sensors, according to BeefLedger Director Charles Turner-Morris. “Single use devices create all sorts of concerns around recycling and landfill, and we are always on the look out for people who are developing smarter ways of powering devices to get better outcomes.

“That’s why we are looking forward to working with research scientists at Data61 on some innovations in energy solutions that can be applied to the next generation of temperature and other environmental sensors. We’ll be running field trials of some core technologies locally in South East Queensland, so that we can better understand the benefits, issues and opportunities of the technological innovations the team at Data61 are working on.

“Temperature sensors and geolocation trackers aren’t new. For us, it’s going to be about energy performance, operational reliability and ultimately how the technologies can contribute to an ecologically responsible approach to IOT deployment in the food supply chain,” Charles said.

The first phase of the field work began mid-August 2020.

Charles Morris collecting some trial devices and products, as part of a project with Data61. Thanks to Laurie at Prime Cut Meats for his ongoing support.

About Data61

Data61 is part of the Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organisation, CSIRO.

CSIRO is constituted by and operate under the provisions of the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 , which sets out its functions and powers, as well as those of the responsible Minister, Board and Chief Executive. The governance, performance and accountability of its operations, including the use and management of public resources are set out in the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and related rules.

The Science and Industry Research Act 1949 defines CSIRO’s purpose and the functions it undertakes for the benefit of Australia:

  • To carry out scientific research for any of the following purposes:
    • Assisting Australian industry;
    • Furthering the interests of the Australian community;
    • Contributing to the achievement of Australian national objectives or the performance of the national and international responsibilities of the Commonwealth; and
    • Any other purpose determined by the Minister;
  • To encourage or facilitate the application or utilisation of the results of such research.

Its secondary functions include international scientific liaison, training of research workers, publication of research results, technology transfer of other research, provision of scientific services and dissemination of information about science and technology.

It operate through three lines of business:

  • Impact science: Nine national research business units with focus on the biggest challenges facing the nation.
  • National Facilities and Collections: We manage infrastructure and biological collections for the benefit of research and industry.
  • CSIRO Services: Commercial, customer-centric products and services for industry, government and the community.

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