Crabbing is a physically demanding and labor-intensive job that involves preparing and deploying crab-catching pots, waiting for the catch, and then manually examining, measuring, and sorting the crabs. Each jurisdiction has strict rules regarding the size and weight of crabs that can be harvested, making the process even more challenging. Traditionally, these regulations were managed using handwritten logs, which are prone to errors and inefficiencies. Enter SeafoodAI, a startup based in Palo Alto, California, which has introduced an innovative AI solution to streamline the crab fishing industry. In April, the company launched CrabScan360, an AI-powered tool designed to automate the measurement, sorting, and data recording of crabs. The solution aims to reduce the manual labor involved, enhance accuracy, and improve sustainability compliance. How CrabScan360 Works CrabScan360 comes in two versions: a portable field version and a fully automated factory version. The field version is compact, roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase, and can be easily deployed on boats or docks. When a fisher places a crab on the scanner, the device takes photos and uses sensors and built-in software to instantly measure the crab's size, weight, gender, and determine if it meets legal harvest criteria. This data is then logged automatically, eliminating the need for handwritten records. The factory version, currently under development, features a conveyor belt system. As crabs move along the belt, they are scanned, analyzed, and sorted based on the collected data. Each crab scan generates an individual data record, which is stored in the cloud. This allows users to monitor trends and performance metrics across the entire harvest, providing valuable insights into average sizes, yields, and legal catch rates. One of the key features of CrabScan360 is its ability to create a digital fingerprint for each scanned crab. This ensures that detailed, accurate records are tied to the specific harvest location, time, and date. As crabs move through the supply chain, this digital trail provides transparency and traceability, which are crucial for maintaining quality and preventing waste. Benefits of CrabScan360 According to Rob Terry, SeafoodAI's founder and CEO, CrabScan360 simplifies the crab harvesting process and enhances efficiency. With better data at every step, seafood companies can make faster and more informed decisions about their catches. This leads to a more streamlined and profitable supply chain, as companies can optimize pricing and distribution based on real-time data. Moreover, the AI technology behind CrabScan360 helps meet growing consumer demands for sustainable seafood. Major retailers like Whole Foods, Walmart, and Costco have pledged to sell only sustainably certified seafood by 2027 or earlier. By providing detailed, verifiable records, CrabScan360 helps ensure that each catch adheres to these standards, thereby supporting these commitments. Future Plans As SeafoodAI continues to roll out CrabScan360 to more customers, the company plans to build a comprehensive database that will facilitate real-time information sharing among harvesters, processors, regulators, and wholesalers. This database will enhance supply chain transparency and help small and medium-scale producers, who often face obstacles due to cost or complexity, integrate seamlessly into the market. The ultimate goal is to expand the AI-powered technology to other seafood markets, such as tuna, salmon, and shrimp. Each of these industries has unique data collection needs, and SeafoodAI aims to create tailored solutions to address these requirements. By doing so, the company hopes to establish a modern, efficient, and transparent model for the seafood industry as a whole. Industry Insights and Company Profile Industry insiders commend SeafoodAI for its innovative approach to solving the challenges faced by the crab fishing industry. They believe that the use of AI in data collection and analysis can significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability practices. SeafoodAI's commitment to small and medium-scale producers is particularly notable, as it addresses a critical gap in the market where technological adoption has been lagging. SeafoodAI is a forward-thinking tech startup founded by Rob Terry, who has extensive experience in both technology and the seafood industry. The company's mission is to revolutionize the way seafood is harvested, processed, and distributed, making it a leader in the growing trend of sustainable and technologically advanced seafood practices.