Artisanal Quality at Scale

Timeline: 12 weeks
Category: Website
Techstack: Robotics, Computer Vision, Data Analytics, Supply Chain Management
Location: El Segundo, CA
Year: 2026

Shinkei Systems revolutionizes seafood harvesting with robotics, enhancing quality and efficiency

The fishing industry faces significant challenges, with two-thirds of harvested fish never reaching consumers. This inefficiency is rooted in outdated practices that have persisted for over a century, leading to waste that affects fishermen and the public alike. Shinkei Systems identified an opportunity to transform this landscape by leveraging robotics and advanced engineering to preserve fish quality from ocean to plate.

To tackle these issues, Shinkei developed Poseidon, a fleet of robots designed to harvest fish using the artisanal Japanese technique of ike jime. This innovative approach allows for humane harvesting, extending shelf life by three times and preserving peak flavor. The integrated computer vision-robotics system operates in real-time, ensuring that the fish are processed efficiently and effectively.

Shinkei's commitment to American infrastructure means that all fish are caught, harvested, and processed domestically, promoting transparency and resilience in the supply chain. By onshoring jobs and reversing the $18 billion seafood trade deficit, Shinkei is not just improving fishing practices but also revitalizing the American food system.

The Challenges

Outdated Practices Harming Quality

The fishing industry suffers from legacy tools and practices, resulting in significant waste and inefficiency. With most harvested fish never making it to consumers, the need for a transformative solution is critical to improve quality and restore vitality to American food systems.

The Solution

Innovative Robotics and Engineering

Shinkei developed Poseidon, a robotic system that employs artisanal harvesting techniques to enhance fish quality. This technology not only extends shelf life but also ensures humane treatment of fish, addressing the industry's long-standing inefficiencies and setting a new standard for seafood harvesting.