A Nordic Innovation project has resulted in a newly developed white fish filleting machine that could give the Norwegian industry a much-needed boost.
Unlike farmed salmon, white fish varies greatly in size and weight, and are difficult to fillet because the bones are difficult to find and remove. As a result, 3-7% of the most valuable part of the fish is currently cut away unnecessarily.
The technology focuses on image analysis and recognition. The new machine locates the fish bones using X-ray technology, and fillets the fish quickly and precisely with a powerful jet of water. This means that the fish is guaranteed to be boneless, with considerably less wastage than with manual filleting.
Norway currently only exports 10-25% per cent of processed products – most of the country’s important seafood products receive only minimal processing or treatment before they are sent abroad. This new robot could provide a breakthrough, giving Norway a competitive advantage over low-cost countries.
“Fish processing in Norway will soon become a thing of the past if the filleting process is not automated and made efficient and profitable. This is why this new invention is so important. It means that we can improve the quality and selection of fresh fish products, and keep the industry on Norwegian soil", says Marit Aursand, Research Director of SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The machine is a result of a development project run by Nordic Innovation, in which SINTEF, Marel, Faroe Origin and Norway Seafoods have been working together.
