Live data monitoring of larvae production will revolutionize insect farming
The insect farming sector is a rapidly growing industry, but production efficiency and scalability are challenged. A new research project will develop smart monitoring and real-time analysis systems for black soldier fly larvae production. Innovation Fund Denmark has invested 6.18 million DKK in the project.
The global demand for insect-based products, such as protein and oil, is exceeding the supply, and the industry is not yet fully mature to meet this growing need. Current BSF farming practices rely on manual, real-time monitoring of larvae behavior and growth, such as tracking surface movement and larval size. This causes increased variation and potential errors when production is scaled up, leading to production loss and subsequent loss of financial turnover.
Improved decision-making in, for instance, the timing of harvest can lead to significant optimization in the utilization of resources (e.g. feed) and likewise ensure higher and more consistent larvae quality.
The global insect farming sector is still nascent, with no direct solutions currently available for automated monitoring and phenotyping*. The industry urgently needs automated real-time monitoring and phenotyping solutions to optimize production efficiency, while enabling genetic advancements for a more resilient BSF sector.
What is phenotyping?
*) In genetics, the phenotype is the set of observable characteristics or traits of an organism. The term covers the organism's morphology (physical form and structure), its developmental processes, its biochemical and physiological properties, its behavior, and the products of behavior. An organism's phenotype results from two basic factors: the expression of an organism's genetic code (its genotype) and the influence of environmental factors. Both factors may interact, further affecting the phenotype. (From Wikipedia)
Computer vision and AI to transform insect production
The SmartLarva project aims to solve these challenges by developing two innovative solutions: a distributed wireless in-crate vision system for tracking larval growth and behavior, and a phenotyping platform for real-time ranking of candidates for selective breeding and larval sex classification.
“- The potential for integrating computer vision and AI technologies into black soldier fly production is enormous. We will be able to create monitoring systems that can track larval development in real-time, while also enabling selective breeding programs that were previously impossible," says Tenure Track Assistant Professor Grum Gebreyesus from Aarhus University, who leads the SmartLarva project.
"- The commercial potential for these technologies extends far beyond Denmark," says Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann, Head of Business Development at Better Insect Solutions (BIS).
"- As the insect farming industry matures globally, the demand for advanced monitoring and breeding tools will grow rapidly. At BIS, we're excited to lead the commercialization of SmartLarva solutions, which we believe will become essential technologies for the future production of insects. These innovations align perfectly with our mission to drive efficiency and sustainability in insect farming worldwide," he concludes.
For further information please contact:
- Tenure Track Assistant professor Grum Gebreyesus, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University. Tel.: +45 22 34 70 73, Mail: grum.gebreyesus@qgg.au.dk
- Line Skouboe, Communications Advisor, Innovation Fund Denmark. Tel.: +45 61 90 50 39, Mail: line.skouboe@innofond.dk
Facts
- Innovation Fund Denmark investment: 6.184.302 DKK
- Total budget: 8.903.502 DKK
- Period: 3 years
- Official title: SmartLarva: Smart monitoring and real-time analysis of black soldier fly larval development with computer vision and sensor solutions.
About the partners:
The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics at Aarhus University brings expertise in genetics, machine learning, and computer vision to lead the development of the SmartLarva solutions.
Better Insect Solutions (BIS) specializes in technology solutions for the insect farming industry and will lead the commercialization of the SmartLarva systems.
SKOV A/S is a leading provider of climate and production monitoring solutions for livestock farming, including insects. SKOV brings industrial expertise in sensor integration and system development.
ENORM Biofactory, a key player in BSF production, is currently undergoing strategic restructuring. Its active involvement in the SmartLarva project is expected at a later stage.