In PinBot, VCU Robotics is developing an automated solution for pin-bone detection and removal in salmon processing, in collaboration with Noordzee International and Wageningen Research.
The system uses an advanced X-ray scanner to generate a three-dimensional image of the salmon fillet.
Based on this data, intelligent AI software accurately localises the pin bones, which are then removed with high precision using an automated tweezer-based removal system.
While existing pin-bone removal machines eliminate up to 80–90% of the bones, the remaining pin bones are often embedded deep in the fillet and cannot be detected visually.
As a result, processing lines still rely on manual post-inspection, requiring multiple employees to locate and remove remaining pin bones by touch.
This labour-intensive and physically demanding step is not fully reliable and introduces quality risks, product loss, and a strong dependency on manual labour in a sector facing persistent labour shortages.
In this project, we receive financial support from the European Union.