Ultrasound and AI Machine Measures Tuna Fattiness in Seconds
- tech360.tv
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new machine developed in Japan uses ultrasound and artificial intelligence to measure the fattiness of tuna in just 12 seconds, revolutionising how the seafood industry assesses fish quality.
The device, called Sonofai, was demonstrated this week by Fujitsu, the company behind the technology. Traditionally, determining a tuna’s fat content involves slicing the tail with a large knife, a process that takes about 60 seconds and requires skilled workers.
Sonofai automates the process using a conveyor belt that moves a frozen tuna, about 1 metre in length, into a scanner that emits ultrasound waves. Sensors detect how the waves interact with the fish, and AI interprets the data to produce a zigzag diagram indicating fat levels.
Fatty meat absorbs fewer sound waves than lean meat. The AI filters out irregularities, or “noise,” to provide accurate readings.
Hisashi Ishida, president of Sonofai and head of Ishida Tec Co., said the machine is safer, more sanitary and more efficient than traditional methods.
“Fatty fish tastes good, feels better on your tongue and is called ‘toro,’” Ishida said, noting that global demand is rising as sushi culture spreads.
Hideto Okada, who oversees AI at Fujitsu, said that while beef has long had a fat grading system, this is a new development for tuna.
Sonofai uses the same ultrasound technology found in medical imaging, such as prenatal scans. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, it does not use radiation.
Chris Edwards, a medical doctor and professor at Queensland University of Technology, said ultrasound has also been used to assess human liver fat, which is linked to diabetes and other health issues.
“They can look at one fish and compare it to another and say ‘Oh, that one’s definitely got more fat than that one,’” Edwards said.
The machine is expected to be sold primarily to fish-processing companies and fishing organisations. It will go on sale in Japan in June for about 30 million yen (USD 207,000), with plans to expand to the United States and other markets.
Future upgrades may include features to assess freshness, firmness and other qualities in tuna and other fish species.
Sonofai uses ultrasound and AI to measure tuna fat in 12 seconds
Developed by Fujitsu and Ishida Tec Co.
Machine to go on sale in Japan in June for USD 207,000
Source: AP NEWS