The fourth version of the Artificial Intelligence-based (AI) project called "iFarm," by Cermaq and BioSort, is already deployed in Vesterålen, Norway. This last stage will focus on operational improvements and the feed factor.
The iFarm project aims to enhance the health and welfare of fish in cage systems through AI technology. This is achieved using machine learning algorithms to recognize and monitor individual fish within the cages. By improving the health and welfare of the fish, this project represents a significant breakthrough for the aquaculture industry.
Cermaq has successfully secured four development grants through its joint project with BioSort. This collaboration has resulted in a milestone, with the release of fish into the system after approximately three years.
The reason for the long-term development process is that experiences and learning along the way contribute to improvements for the next phase. Therefore, in each stage, they have tried to improve different aspects to make the AI more accurate.
As a result, they will position the fourth iteration of iFarm at the Langøyhovden site in Vesterålen, where the second version was previously located.
"It is exciting to be involved in innovation and technological development. We know that this fourth version has several changes compared to the second version that we also ran, so it will be interesting to see how it will be operated this time," said Sten Viggo Hansen, Cermaq's operations manager at Vesterålen.
After learning in the previous phases about the interaction of the program and the species and the improvements of the equipment, in particular the sensors, as well as data collection and machine learning.
In the fourth version of iFarm, the project will primarily concentrate on operational enhancements, feed factors, advancements in machine learning, and optimizing equipment performance within the barn. At the same time, Cermaq and BioSort will test third-generation sorters.
"The fourth postponement represents an additional delay compared to the original project plan, which initially anticipated three postponements and three versions of iFarm. About the objectives set for the project, we are on track. However, we have had some operational challenges regarding the growth and feed factor. At the same time, operational operations, such as lice removal, have been extensive precisely because of the iFarm equipment in the cages. While the original project objectives of the development permits do not explicitly state this, the iFarm concept must successfully attain favorable growth and feed efficiency. We aim to take the project further for this reason." said Karl Fredrik Ottem, Cermaq's project manager for iFarm.
Cermaq Norway is one of Norway's largest food producers supplying salmon to more than 30 countries worldwide. With approximately 500 employees, all of its production takes place north of the Arctic Circle. The company has 4 freshwater facilities and a total of 43 marine facilities along the coast of Nordland and Finnmark. They also have an observation center, the Arctic Salmon Center, located at Skutvik in Hamarøy. Cermaq Norway is part of the Cermaq Group, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation.
