TLDR: Shinkei Systems, a California-based startup, has developed an AI-driven robot named Poseidon that employs the traditional Japanese ikejime method to humanely process fish. This innovative approach significantly enhances the flavor, texture, and shelf life of sashimi and other fish products by swiftly spiking the fish’s brain and making precise cuts, reducing stress and improving quality.
El Segundo, California – A groundbreaking advancement in seafood processing is emerging from California-based startup Shinkei Systems, which has unveiled an AI-driven robot named Poseidon. This innovative machine is set to revolutionize the sashimi and fish industry by applying the traditional Japanese ikejime method, a technique renowned for its ability to enhance the quality and longevity of fish.
The ikejime method involves quickly spiking the fish’s brain and making precise cuts to drain blood, which prevents the buildup of stress hormones and lactic acid that can negatively impact flavor and texture. While this method is highly valued in Japan, its labor-intensive nature has limited its widespread adoption in the United States. Shinkei Systems aims to overcome this barrier by automating the process with their AI-powered robot.
Poseidon, roughly the size of a refrigerator, operates on fishing boat decks, processing fish within seconds of being caught. The robot utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision to identify the fish species and pinpoint the exact locations of its brain and gills. This precision ensures a humane and efficient kill, leading to superior quality fish. After processing, the fish emerge with a hole in the head and incisions near the gills, ready for placement in an ice slurry for optimal blood drainage.
According to Saif Khawaja, CEO of Shinkei Systems, the ultimate goal is to make high-quality, humanely processed fish accessible to the average consumer. “My end goal is that you’re walking into your local grocery store and can buy fish that lasts three times as long, tastes better and is handled humanely,” Khawaja stated.
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Shinkei Systems recently secured $22 million in a funding round, co-led by Founders Fund and Interlagos, bringing their total funding to $30 million since inception. The company currently has four Poseidon robots operational on fishing vessels in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, with plans to deploy an additional 10 units in the coming year. The startup provides the robots to fishing crews for free, then purchases the processed seafood and distributes it to various establishments across the U.S., including Michelin-starred restaurants. For instance, two fillets, or 12 ounces of fish, processed by Poseidon retail for approximately $28. This technological leap signifies a new era for the seafood industry, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge AI and robotics to deliver a more humane and higher-quality product to consumers.
