Pinbot / pinbone detection and removal in salmon processing
12 June 2026
In PinBot, VCU Robotics is, in collaboration with Noordzee International and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), developing an automated solution for pin-bone detection and removal in salmon processing. The project started end of 2025 and will be finished by the end of 2027.
While existing pin-bone removal machines eliminate up to 80–90% of the bones, the remaining pin bones are often embedded deep in the fillet and cannot be detected visually. As a result, processing lines still rely on manual post-inspection, requiring multiple employees to locate and remove remaining pin bones by touch. This labour-intensive and physically demanding step is not fully reliable and introduces quality risks, product loss, and a strong dependency on manual labour in a sector facing persistent labour shortages.
PinBot is hopefully the answer to that. It works as follow: the system uses an advanced X-ray scanner to generate a three-dimensional image of the salmon fillet. Based on this data, intelligent AI software accurately localises the pin bones, which are then removed with high precision using an automated precision gripper.
Recent milestone
Arie Baak, CEO at VCU Robotics: “The PinBot project is currently in an important development phase. Within the consortium, VCU Robotics and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are working closely together on the core technologies required to fully automate the detection and removal of fish bones. A significant recent milestone is that VCU Robotics has recently obtained the permit required to work with X-ray technology. The first X-ray cabinet has now been built, and preparations are underway for the first practical testing phase.”
In parallel WUR is developing a prototype of the precision gripper. This innovative gripper will use information generated by the X-ray system to determine the exact position of the fish bones and subsequently remove them using robotic technology, without damaging the fish fillet.
Follow-up to previous WUR-studies
“We provide the insights and knowledge that support the development of this system by VCU,” says Lydia Meesters, project leader for WUR Vision+Robotics. For example, this can involve understanding how an X-ray system is constructed, as well as clarifying the relevant regulations. “This project is actually a concrete follow-up to previous studies we’ve conducted, and the results from those studies are now coming in handy again. We always work on questions for which companies seek our expertise. That’s how our collaboration is structured now as well. It’s a pleasure to work this way.”
Main challenge
Baak: “The main challenge at this stage is the successful integration of X-ray detection, 3D positioning, and robotic control into a single reliable system that can operate in an industrial fish-processing environment. Therefore, the coming months will focus primarily on testing, validation, and further refinement of these technologies. If these development steps are completed successfully, we will take a major step toward a fully automated solution for the fish-processing industry, significantly improving product quality, food safety, and working conditions.”
Co-funded by the European Union
