02/06/2026
We're excited to see our latest AI solution up and running at Tablelands sugar mill 🎉
Over the past few months, we've been working alongside QUT and the MSF team to develop an AI system that automatically recognises cane bin plate numbers when trucks arrive at the cane receival station.
It might sound like a simple task, but it's a vital part of the process.
As the truck enters the weighbridge, our AI system uses a live camera feed to identify the bin number, helping ensure each delivery is accurately matched to the correct grower for payment.
One of the challenges was making sure the system could perform reliably in a range of conditions. The AI has been trained to recognise bin numbers both during the day and in low-light conditions at night.
This project builds on the AI solutions we've delivered across the Mackay region, where we've successfully applied AI to loco and rail infrastructure. At Tablelands mill, we've expanded those capabilities to support road transport operations as well.
A big thank you to QUT and MSF who worked closely with our team, especially Rhys, Nick and Tom, throughout the testing and validation process. Together, we made sure the system was ready to go before the start of the crushing season.
The video below gives a behind-the-scenes look at the cane tipping process, while the images show the AI system successfully reading and identifying cane bin numbers.
By automating the capture of bin numbers and timestamps, this solution improves accuracy, and helps create a more efficient cane receival process for everyone involved.
