Korf Vis tests pick-and-place salmon robot; three Scottish aquaculture tech projects receive funding

VCU Robotics builds pick-and-place automated food systems
VCU Robotics builds pick-and-place automated food systems | Photo courtesy of VCU Robotics
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– Netherlands-based food-processing robotics startup VCU Robotics has created a pick-and-place automated salmon-handling system for Korf Vis.

The project, entitled the Salmon Gripper, was developed in collaboration with Netherlands-based processor Korf Vis and Wageningen Research and is currently being tested within Korf Vis's operations. 

The automation can precisely cut and pick salmon portions, improving production capacity and physical strain on employees. It is also marketed as being precise enough to meet food sector hygeine requirements and works in tandem with two other automation tools: the Borncut portioning machine and the Multivac vacuuming machine. 

– The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Center (SAIC) will fund three new tech projects intended to advance finfish health and welfare.

The projects are jointly supported by a number of Scottish aquaculture sector stakeholders and will receive GBP 1.6 million (USD 2 million) from SAIC. 

“Over the past 10 years, we have prioritized initiatives aimed at enhancing aquaculture’s environmental impact, fish health, and unlocking economic potential," SAIC Innovation and Engagement Director Sarah Riddle said. "In this current funding call, our sharper focus aligns us even more closely with the sector’s key priorities, fostering collaboration to tackle critical health, welfare, and survivability challenges in fish farming. Each of these projects aims to tackle these areas.”

The first project uses holographic imaging to protect fish on aquaculture sites from micro-jellyfish attacks. It also uses holographic technology to monitor harmful algae blooms.

The second studies the use of predictive biomarkers for assessing gill health in Atlantic salmon. Using AI, it tracks biomarkers and product responses to micro-jellyfish and other environmental conditions.

The third project studies stock management strategies for proliferative kidney disease (PKD) outbreaks in Scottish aquaculture. 

"Support for these projects is part of a wider strategy through which the organization aims to sharpen its focus on promoting positive health and welfare outcomes for farmed fish through applied research and knowledge exchange, particularly in response to emerging environmental challenges," SAIC said in a release.


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