While Aqua Robotics and Mowi have a history of collaborating on technological development, they have now decided to strengthen their partnership for the long term.
With a newly established three-year commitment, Aqua Robotics and Mowi will collaborate on the development of on-farm cleaning robots, which will be deployed in all Mowi plants. In particular, the collaboration agreement is based on all Mowi facilities having access to equal service and support regardless of location. It will also contribute to predictability so that qualities and resources are adapted to HALO's current on-farm demand at any given time.
"Mowi's vision is to Lead the Blue Revolution. To realize our vision, technology plays an important role, especially through our Smart Farming strategy," explained Henrik Trengereid, head of Mowi's Seawater Production Technology group. "It is important for us to have cooperation and proximity to local players who can contribute new technology that solves real operational challenges, such as fouling in the nets. That is why we are always happy to continue with the technology from testing and trials to commercialization and subsequent deployment. During a longer trial period, we have realized that the technology contributes to very good gutter cleaning and that Aqua Robotics meets our requirements and expectations in terms of efficiency and quality."
Aqua Robotics explained that this collaboration had been "very important to evaluate and test the machines in real conditions." Statements that highlight the value of Mowi as a test scenario for robots that are now ready for commercial operation.
Aqua Robotics explained that first experiences show that robotic net washing can replace -in several cases- high-pressure washing and impregnation agents in culture nets. A fact that can contribute to positive effects on cage biology, such as growth rate, gill health, lice control, and general fish welfare. Therefore, although it is not a foolproof method, it can generate positive effects in several biological conditions.
Additional findings from the research indicate significant cost savings. Specifically, these savings manifest in a decreased risk of external infections, leading to fewer ship calls and reduced energy consumption. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that the robots contribute to a quieter environment within the facilities by eliminating the need for channel washing.
"For several years, we have been working to optimize uptime and gutter cleaning, and now we are very happy to see that we are creating great value for our customers. It is crucial for a technology company like us to have the opportunity to work with and for a large production company like Mowi so that we can ensure an effective learning curve through development," proudly stated CEO Kjetil Njærheim.
Aqua Robotics AS, founded in 2016 by the Molaug family brings a wealth of experience in technology and business development within the aquaculture and other industries. The Molaug family was also instrumental in launching AKVA, now known as the AKVA Group, and developed renowned feeding robots. Knut Molaug himself served as the director of the AKVA Group from 1988 to 2010. Leveraging their profound industry knowledge and passion for technology, Aqua Robotics and the HALO system aim to create technology that enhances the global agriculture sector, focusing on sustainability, fish welfare, and profitability.
Mowi is a global leader in the seafood industry and the top producer of farmed salmon worldwide. It has farming operations in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Canada, Chile, and Iceland.
