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

Summary

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.

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NVA : hdl.handle.net/11250/5488162