In a factory in El Segundo, California, a robot named "Poseidon" the size of a refrigerator is transforming the future of the fishing industry. It can complete the entire processing of a fish in just 7 seconds, and the processed fish meat is more delicious and has a longer shelf life.
This is not a scene from a science fiction movie, but a real innovation brought about by the start-up company Shinkei Systems. Recently, this company received a $22 million Series A round of financing, led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, bringing the total financing amount to $30 million.
From "Painful Death" to "Humanitarian Execution"
In traditional commercial fishing, fish are often left on the deck to slowly suffocate to death. This process can last for several minutes or even several hours. During this time, the fish's bodies release stress hormones and produce acidic substances, causing the meat to rapidly deteriorate.
The Poseidon robot adopts the traditional live fish killing method that has been used in Japan for hundreds of years - the live-cutting fish killing method. This is a slaughtering method that involves quickly piercing the fish's brain and cutting off the gills, and is considered the most humane way to handle fish.
During operation, simply place the fish into the machine. The AI will automatically identify the species and anatomical structure of the fish, precisely locate the brain and gills, and complete the processes such as stabbing, bleeding, and cutting.
The entire process takes only 7 seconds. The processed fish will immediately enter the temperature-controlled ice water system, maintaining its freshness to the greatest extent. The entire process is fast and precise, and the fish has no time to react with stress, ensuring the perfect preservation of the meat quality.
The machine is also equipped with a satellite communication system, which enables real-time data transmission, continuous optimization of the AI model, and supports data recording and remote monitoring. The algorithm can adapt to changes in different fish species, sizes, and working environments, thereby improving operational accuracy and safety.
Unique business model: Free delivery of machines, premium purchase of good fish
Shinkei Systems has adopted a highly innovative business model: They provide Poseidon robots to fishermen for free, then purchase the processed fish at a premium price, and finally sell them to high-end restaurants and retailers under their own brand Seremoni.
Currently, 8 Poseidon robots have been put into use on commercial fishing vessels along the US coast, and more fishing boats are waiting to be equipped with them. Shinkei processes thousands of pounds of fish every week, with its business covering Washington, central California and Massachusetts, and plans to expand to Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to ordinary dining tables
Through the Seremoni brand, Shinkei's fish has entered numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, including Atomix, Restaurant Daniel, Sushi Zo in New York; Citrin, Kato in Los Angeles; and Benu in San Francisco.
Even in the world's largest premium fish market - the Fushion Market in Tokyo - one can find Seremoni's products. For ordinary consumers, these live-traded fish can be purchased at retail stores such as Happier Grocery in New York.
Currently, Seremoni mainly processes six types of fish including black cod and black sea bass, and plans to add salmon and red snapper this year.