AI in Practice – Robust Vision Solution for Fish Processing
AI has become one of the most talked-about concepts in industry in recent years. For Mabema, however, the technology is far from new. In practical applications, AI has been a natural part of the solution for over a decade. A clear example is the collaboration with Arenco.
Arenco develops, manufactures, and markets machines and complete production lines for several industries, including fish processing. The fish processing solutions are sold under the Arenco VMK brand and are installed both in land-based facilities and aboard fishing vessels worldwide.
The Challenge: Correct Orientation at Extremely High Speed
For a fish processing line to function correctly, the fish must be fed in with the right orientation, with the head and belly in a specific direction. Incorrectly oriented fish can lead to production disruptions, stoppages, and quality problems.
At the same time, the machines operate at very high speeds, up to six fish per second. Traditional solutions such as mechanical guidance or manual sorting proved insufficient to meet the requirements for both speed and reliability.
The Solution: AI-Based Vision
To solve the challenge, Arenco contacted Mabema. After joint testing, it became clear that the variation between fish was too great to be handled robustly with classical rule-based vision technology alone.
Instead, an AI-based vision solution was developed, where AI is used as a powerful tool to interpret complex variations in shape, size, and appearance. With the help of AI, the fish is classified as OK, turned the wrong way, or damaged.
The Result: Proven Technology in Demanding Environments
The first systems were commissioned almost ten years ago and have since been followed by many additional deliveries. The solution operates stably and reliably even in very demanding marine environments, including aboard fishing vessels in operation.
With its sorting machine, VMK23, Arenco can offer an attractive and cost-effective solution for its end customers. Reliable and automatic sorting reduces the risk of stoppages and creates more stable production and better production economics.
A Long-Term Collaboration
The collaboration between Arenco and Mabema has been characterized by close dialogue and joint development. Together, the parties have developed a solution that meets high demands for performance, operational reliability, and longevity.
Mabema is proud to contribute the intelligent vision solution, “the brain,” in Arenco’s sorting system and to be a long-term technology partner in their continued development.
