Flexiv Robotics has unveiled an innovative solution aimed at transforming the breaded cod production process, addressing issues related to high staff turnover and consistency challenges in the seafood industry. The Fish Fillet Shaping Solution, powered by the Rizon 4 adaptive robot, automates the shaping of fish fillets, ensuring uniform size and shape for consumers.
Based in San Jose, California, Flexiv is a leading name in general-purpose robotics. The new fish fillet shaping application has been developed for one of Asia’s major seafood producers, where traditional methods relied heavily on manual labour. Workers previously faced the demanding task of shaping each fillet to achieve a consistent end product. This high concentration requirement often led to exhaustion, resulting in significant staff turnover and operational difficulties for supervisors managing production lines.
Liang Mao, Flexiv’s New Market Solution Director, highlighted the challenges faced by clients in staffing the shaping stage. He stated, “We were told that the shaping stage was difficult for the client to staff, so we used our adaptive technology to not only solve the problem but improve how it’s completed.”
The newly developed solution combines cutting-edge computer vision with custom end-of-arm tooling, allowing for enhanced precision and efficiency that surpasses human capabilities. The AI-powered computer vision technology enables the system to detect the exact location of each fillet on the production line. Working in sync with the conveyor belt, the Rizon 4 robots shape the portions without needing to lift them, applying the right amount of pressure through force control to avoid damaging the fillets.
Flexiv’s automated solution boosts productivity while maintaining high standards of quality. The self-cleaning feature ensures that any food debris clinging to the end-of-arm tool is removed automatically, enhancing hygiene and operational effectiveness throughout the production process.
The implementation of Flexiv’s fish fillet shaping solution is designed to be user-friendly and can be integrated into an existing production line in less than half a working day. Importantly, it requires no specialised training or prior robotics experience, making it accessible for a range of food production facilities.
Flexiv‘s commitment to addressing labour shortages in the food sector through innovative technology is reflected in this development. By automating the shaping process, the company not only enhances efficiency but also alleviates the burden on workers, enabling them to focus on more skilled tasks.
As the seafood industry continues to evolve and face challenges related to staffing and consistency, Flexiv’s Fish Fillet Shaping Solution presents a timely and effective answer, promising to enhance both production capabilities and product quality.
