Abstract: An automated poking system includes a plurality of pokerod assemblies positioned around the periphery of a two-stage, fixed-bed coal gasifier at two separate elevations. Each pokerod assembly includes an elongated pokerod selectively actuatable to extend into the coal bed within the gasifier, and appropriate sensors to provide data relating to the temperature of the coal bed, the resistance encountered by the pokerod, and the position of the pokerod. Alternatively, the temperature sensing function is separate from the pokerod activation, and the coal bed temperature is continuously moinitored. The mechanism for controlling activation of the pokerod may be a hydraulic cylinder-piston device or an electric motor driving the pokerod via mechanical means, such as a rack and pinion apparatus. Poking of the lower zone coal bed agitates the bed, detects and breaks up clinkers, and monitors the coal bed temperature.