Jason Henry, a writer for BICrab, discusses the demanding nature of crab fishing, which involves manual measurement, sorting, and data recording. SeafoodAI’s innovative solution, CrabScan360, is designed to streamline these tasks through automation, enhancing overall efficiency. This article is a part of the “How AI Is Changing Everything: Supply Chain” series, focusing on logistics advancements.
Crab fishing is physically strenuous work that begins with fishers preparing crab-catching pots and deploying them at sea. They utilize devices onboard to mark the pot locations on the ocean floor before returning to shore. After a waiting period, typically between 12 to 24 hours, fishers retrieve their pots and inspect their catches according to regulations on size and weight. This meticulous process involves measuring, weighing, grading, and sorting each crab, followed by manual data entry in logbooks.
SeafoodAI, a startup based in Palo Alto, California, has introduced an AI-powered tool, CrabScan360, to revolutionize crab measurement, sorting, and data collection. CEO Rob Terry describes CrabScan360 as an AI-assisted “tireless deckhand” that efficiently gathers crucial data on crab attributes and compliance, aiding fishers in decision-making during their operations.
The CrabScan360 technology is available in two versions: a portable field model for immediate deployment on boats and docks, and a factory version currently in development. The field model captures detailed data on individual crabs, while the factory system automates the sorting process based on scanned information. By creating digital records for each crab, CrabScan360 ensures traceability throughout the supply chain, facilitating informed decision-making and improving overall efficiency and sustainability in seafood production. Leading retailers like Whole Foods, Walmart, and Costco are increasingly prioritizing sustainable seafood sourcing, making AI solutions like CrabScan360 invaluable for meeting industry demands.
SeafoodAI aims to achieve sustainability certification for its seafood by 2027, if not sooner. The company is making strides with its AI-powered technology, including the rollout of CrabScan360 to a wider customer base. They are working on creating a digital database to connect stakeholders such as harvesters, processors, regulators, and wholesalers in real time to provide information on crab hauls. SeafoodAI plans to expand its technology to other seafood markets like tuna, salmon, and shrimp, each with specific data collection needs. The company’s goal is to establish a more efficient, scalable, and transparent model that can benefit small and medium-scale producers, often left out due to cost or complexity. This modern solution aims to address the growing demand for reliable and traceable seafood. (Source: Business Insider)
