1st Pilot at Invertapro+

CoRoSect has taken a significant step forward with the launch of its first pilot at Invertapro. This pilot represents a significant milestone in the journey toward automating and enhancing insect farming processes. The piloting activities focused on two crucial use cases for this insect farm: oviposition and quality management. By addressing these two key aspects, CoRoSect managed to improve both the quality and quantity of insect production. This advanced approach demonstrates the project’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.

During the piloting session, a range of innovative technologies have been tested in real-time. One notable advancement, developed by CERTH, is the automatic Visual Inspection System (VIS), which is powered by artificial intelligence. The aim of the VIS is to detect and measure insects’ size and color with great accuracy. This technology has shown promising results and has the potential to replace traditional methods of quality management in insect farms.

Another exciting technology demonstrated during the pilot is the Virtual Reality (VR) system, also developed by CERTH. This system uses VR glasses and sensory gloves to train workers in programming robots for new tasks on the farm. The results have been highly encouraging, as workers were able to easily understand operational processes that should be conducted through the robotic devices, highlighting the potential for enhanced productivity and efficiency in insect farming.

CoRoSect has put a lot of attention on sensor development, since they play a vital role in insect farming and offer insightful data regarding the health of the insects. Technical providers of this component are Oulu University of Applied Science (OAMK). They have put an effort to develop and improve sensors and intelligent crates for insect farming purposes. These developments have the potential to transform the sector by providing farmers with useful knowledge on insect welfare and improving farming methods.

Furthermore, a robotic cell was deployed to handle crates that involve specialized hardware and software to deal with the dynamic nature of robotic cells in the context of Industry 4.0. This specifically addresses inherent uncertainties in the positioning of a load by an Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV), with a success rate higher than 80%. Hence, Robotnik managed to improve productivity in insect farming through adaptability and easy installation of their solution, making it a game-changer for the insect farming industry.

The precision and automation achieved through CoRoSect’s robotic processes have opened up new possibilities for the industry. Invertapro has successfully verified that certain parts of the insect breeding process can now be automated to an unprecedented level. These advancements pave the way for increased productivity, sustainability, and scalability in insect farming, marking a significant step towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural landscape.