Fujitsu and its affiliate have unveiled 'Sonofai,' an innovative machine designed to assess the fat content of tuna using ultrasound and artificial intelligence. This technology is particularly significant for the sashimi and sushi industries, where fat content is a crucial quality determinant.
Sonofai drastically reduces the analysis time to just 12 seconds per fish, compared to the traditional method that takes around 60 seconds and requires cutting the fish's tail. The device operates similarly to medical ultrasound, effectively distinguishing between fatty and lean tissues while providing detailed diagrams to quantify fat content.
The integration of AI enhances the machine's accuracy by filtering out background noise, ensuring that only relevant data is processed. Priced at approximately 30 million yen (around $207,000), Sonofai is set to launch in Japan this June, with plans for future international expansion.
Looking ahead, potential upgrades may include capabilities to assess the freshness and texture of the fish, further revolutionising fish quality grading. This advancement parallels existing grading systems in the beef industry, highlighting a significant leap forward in food quality assessment technologies.