Agricultural Technology Research Program Celebrates 35 Years

Thirty-five years ago, through the efforts of the Georgia Poultry Federation, what would become the Agricultural Technology Research Program (ATRP) was started at Georgia Tech.

Its beginnings came when the Federation sought to reduce the noise in poultry processing plants. To get advice about possible solutions, the Federation utilized an assistance service implemented by the University System of Georgia and the request was referred to Georgia Tech. That call led to what has become a long and productive partnership.

"From the program's inception, ATRP scientists have been committed to the challenge of developing the technological tools and resources the poultry industry needs now and into the future," said Craig Wyvill, who recently retired as director of ATRP.

In the early days, much of ATRP's research focused on energy efficiency and alternative fuel resources, including wood, solar energy and methane. In the 1980s, the work shifted to systems development projects dealing primarily with environmental compliance and information capture. In the 1990s, the research transitioned to strategic technology systems development in areas such as machine vision, robotics, advanced sensors, food safety, worker safety, waste treatment and minimization, and intelligent systems.

As the program grew, so did its parent organization, GTRI's Food Processing Technology Division. The division's success led the state of Georgia and numerous corporate donors, many in the poultry industry, to financially support construction of a $7.3 million, 36,000-square-foot Food Processing Technology Building that was dedicated on May 19, 2005.

Over the years, ATRP researchers have developed numerous innovations that have improved processing operations. Their pioneering high-speed, natural-product imaging techniques led to the development of several high-speed imaging systems and influenced many commercial products.

A new generation of robot systems was purpose-built by ATRP to meet the industry's special needs, including one that is among the first to withstand the rigors of a high-pressure, caustic wash-down without special protective covers and seals.

In the information technology area, researchers designed innovative wearable computers and augmented reality systems, and introduced a first-of-its-kind computer-based motion and exertion tracking system for ergonomically analyzing cutting tasks as they are being performed on a production line. The ATRP environmental and food safety researchers designed a novel ultraviolet disinfection system and a unique chemical biosensor, and made numerous advances in waste separation, water recycling and biofuel production.

As ATRP celebrates its first 35 years, one thing is clear - the program has and will continue to be a leader in technological innovation.