Robotics and the Future of Fishing
Overview The fishing industry is set to drastically transform with the advent of robotics and AI technologies. This information guide provides an in-depth look into the current use of robotics in the fishing industry, the anticipated impact on the future of fishing and how tech leaders like 3Laws Robotics are innovating to enhance safety and reliability of robotic systems.
Robotic Technology in Current Fishing Practices The use of robotics in the fishing industry isn't entirely new. Nets with sensors and automated sorting systems have streamlined the catching process. Currently, an estimated 15%-20% of commercial fishing boats use some form of robotics or automated technology. This includes everything from sonar technology for locating fish schools to remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) used in deep-sea fishing. These technologies, while still in their infancy, have resulted in a roughly 25% increase in catch size when compared to traditional fishing methods.
Anticipated Future Impact As the technologies develop, the impact of robotics on the fishing industry is expected to grow significantly. By 2030, it's anticipated that up to 50% of commercial fishing boats will be using robotics or automated technologies, ultimately increasing their efficiency and reducing human risks associated with fishing. With the advancement of AI, predictive analytics can assist in sustainable fishing by identifying fish species, size and helping to avoid overfishing. These address the important need for sustainable fishing operations, which are expected to increase by another 20% due to advances in robotics.
Challenges and Obstacles However, the transition to a more automated fishing industry isn't without its challenges. Certification of robotic devices presents a significant obstacle for many companies. Dependent on the technology used, industry requirements, and local laws and regulations, the certification process can be long, expensive, and complex. Despite these challenges, the benefits of introducing robotics into the fishing industry are becoming increasingly clear. Reports estimate that robotics could potentially increase the industry's annual profits by up to 30%.
Key Takeaways - 15%-20% of commercial fishing boats currently employ some form of robotics or automated technology, resulting in an estimated 25% increase in catch size. - By 2030, 50% of commercial fishing boats are expected to be using innovative robotic technologies, reducing human risk and increasing operational efficiency. - Certification of robotics is a significant challenge, yet the financial benefit is undeniable with a potential increase in annual profits of up to 30%. - The adoption of robotics also plays a crucial role in sustainable fishing practices, with an anticipated increase in sustainable operations by 20%.
3Laws Robotics: Paving the Future The integration of robotics into diverse industries comes with many challenges, safety being paramount among them. That's where 3Laws Robotics comes into the picture. Developing innovative software to enhance the safety and reliability of robotic systems, 3Laws is addressing the challenge of certification - a significant pain point for companies.
The primary software, 3Laws Supervisor, offers robust safety features and evidence of system robustness, thereby potentially easing the certification path. These features are backed by Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech that provides mathematically provable safety.
3Laws technology can be applied to numerous industries and applications. For instance, in warehouse automation, they helped an autonomous forklift customer achieve a remarkable 40% efficiency gain, resulting in a 6-month payback period. As for human-robot interaction, 3Laws supports safe and uninterrupted operation of robots near humans, addressing the growing need for collaborative robotics solutions. In dynamic environments, 3Laws' reactive collision avoidance capabilities allow robots to navigate effectively amidst unpredictability.
Minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions, 3Laws focuses on enhancing operational efficiency. The software acts as real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks, allowing robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety.
The software is adaptable and can operate with a variety of platforms, from mobile robots to drones and manipulators. It also works seamlessly with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2. As a result, 3Laws Robotics stands as a next-generation safety solution that outpaces traditional e-stop methods. This proactive approach to safety aims to unlock the full potential of robotics, providing dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.