The aquaculture industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, as researchers from Norway, Belgium, and Greece propose the introduction of digital twin technology to transform the way fish farming is conducted. In a groundbreaking study published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, the scientists argue that digital twins, which are virtual representations of real-world systems that merge mathematical models with real-time data, could be the key to unlocking the future of intensive fish farming.
Digital twin technology has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of aquaculture, from monitoring environmental conditions and resource management to predictive analytics. By creating a virtual copy or simulation of a physical object, process, or system, digital twins allow for the monitoring, analysis, and optimization of performance without directly interacting with the physical object. This technology is particularly relevant in the context of "Industry 4.0," the ongoing fourth industrial revolution characterized by the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and other industrial processes.
Dr. Martin Føre, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the potential of digital twin solutions in providing deeper and more precise insights into the biological and physical dynamics of fish farms. "Digital twin solutions that merge real-time observations through in-farm instruments with predictive models based on existing system knowledge will provide deeper and more precise insights into the biological and physical dynamics of fish farms," he told the Advocate. "Such solutions can in turn be used as a foundation for the future automation of farming operations through feedback control, which will become increasingly relevant as farming operations are moved further from shore and/or into more exposed conditions."
While digital twin technology has been rapidly developing and applied in many fields, its application in aquaculture has been limited. This is largely due to the fact that intensive aquaculture is a relatively young industry, and much of the early research and development efforts have focused on addressing the concrete biological challenges of underwater animal production. However, with many of these challenges now overcome, the industry is shifting its focus towards developing farm management practices to better monitor and control production.
The study presents case studies that explore digital twin technology for three application areas of high industrial relevance. The first case study examines how to improve the monitoring of oxygen conditions in sea-cages, a critical factor in ensuring the health and well-being of farmed fish. The second case study focuses on obtaining real-time inputs on fish growth and biomass development in these cages, which is essential for optimizing feed management and harvest planning. Finally, the third case study explores the increased use of robotics and autonomous vehicles in aquaculture, particularly when considering moving production to less accessible and exposed locations.
The authors conclude that the technological level within aquaculture is sufficiently high to warrant the adaptation of digital twins. They emphasize that given the potential benefits, both the scientific community and the industry should start following this path. However, this requires adjusting research and development processes to not only focus on specific goals but also on how the outcomes will fit into a holistic digital twin solution in the future. By integrating this vision into the future of research and innovation in aquaculture, the sector can reap the benefits of digital twin technology.
As the aquaculture industry continues to grow and face new challenges, the adoption of digital twin technology could be a game-changer. By enabling better monitoring, analysis, and optimization of various aspects of fish farming, digital twins have the potential to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of the industry. As the study suggests, embracing this technology and integrating it into the future of research and innovation in aquaculture could pave the way for a new era of precision fish farming.
