Identify and test concepts for the automatic removal of visible nematodes in cod fillets

Sammendrag

Visible nematodes in cod fillets represent a persistent quality and profitability challenge for the whitefish
industry. Manual inspection and trimming, traditionally performed on candling tables, is labour‑intensive,
inconsistent, and associated with significant yield loss. Detection technologies based on hyperspectral
imaging — such as the Maritech EyeTM (Maritech AS, 2026) — have recently demonstrated substantially
higher detection accuracy than manual inspection under industrial conditions, improving parasite
detection rates from ~50% to ~73% in cod fillets (Syed et al., 2024). This capability allows parasite‑free
fillets to bypass trimming while ensuring that infested fillets are reliably forwarded for removal.
The present project evaluated two technological pathways for automated removal of visible nematodes
after hyperspectral detection:
1) Water‑jet removal using the FleXicut system (JBT Marel, 2026), and
2) Targeted robotic removal using a cutting–extraction tool mounted on an industrial robotic arm.
Tests showed that the FleXicut system is the most mature and industrially viable near‑term solution.
Operating at standard line speeds (~40 cm/s), it demonstrated reliable routing of parasite‑affected
portions, effectively removing infected regions through predefined cutting paths. While this method
sacrifices individual‑level precision, it integrates seamlessly with existing production infrastructure and
supports high-throughput operation.
The robotic solution demonstrated successful Proof‑of‑Concept (PoC) removal of individual nematode
proxies on a moving conveyor. However, current limitations include low reliability, tracking errors,
slower-than-required operating speed, and tool–fillet interaction inconsistencies. Substantial
development is required before industrial adoption, although the approach retains a long‑term potential
for value‑preserving, highly localized trimming.
The economic analysis indicates that automated nematode removal is likely to be profitable for
processors, particularly through increased product yield, reduced labour requirements, and improved
quality consistency. Overall, the FleXicut approach offers a practical industrial pathway in the near term,
while robotic solutions may enable finer‑scale, less invasive trimming in future high‑precision workflows
once the technology is further developed.

Les publikasjonen her:

NVA : hdl.handle.net/11250/5488162