Innovating Aquaculture: Hans Atlason and the Rise of Ration
Behind the growing success of Ration is Hans Atlason, an electrical and computer engineer whose journey from academia to the world of aquaculture embodies a commitment to technological innovation. Atlason’s story reflects a desire to translate the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) and computation into actionable solutions that deliver tangible value to the aquaculture industry.
Bridging Academia and Industry
After earning his PhD, which revolved around novel machine learning methods in computer vision, Atlason ventured into the industry as a consultant. He developed bespoke computer vision systems for various Icelandic manufacturers, gaining invaluable insight and experience in diverse applications. A significant partnership was formed during his collaboration with Klaki, a company specializing in automation within the seafood sector. This collaboration laid the groundwork for the founding of Ration, with a keen focus on revolutionizing aquaculture technology.
“Aquaculture seemed like the perfect fit, as it is rich in compelling use cases for computer vision,” Atlason reflects. He recognized the potential for technology to make significant improvements in fish farming processes.
A Two-Pronged Approach
Ration has successfully developed two innovative products: RationFeed and RationOva. RationFeed is an automation system designed to enhance feeding efficiency in land-based fish farms. It employs computer vision to accurately count uneaten feed pellets as they exit through effluent pipes. This data enables precise adjustments to feeding schedules, leading to optimal fish growth while maintaining water quality.
"RationFeed’s unique, non-submerged camera system ensures clear visibility, overcoming issues like poor visibility in turbid water or corrosion due to submersion," explains Atlason. This reliability makes the system easy to maintain while significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
The second product, RationOva, specializes in high-throughput counting and inspection of salmon eggs. Unlike traditional systems, RationOva processes eggs on a conveyor belt, dramatically improving speed and accuracy in counting and sizing. This technology eliminates the need for manual volumetric counting, offering farmers reliable data and remarkable precision.
“By storing the image data on the cloud, customers can track their counts and perform quality checks themselves, ensuring total traceability,” Atlason states.
Industry Uptake and Support
Both RationFeed and RationOva have garnered substantial interest and are already in the trial phase at notable institutions. RationFeed is being tested at leading Icelandic salmon farms, including Laxey and First Water, where it has transitioned from pilot testing to offering companies a fully autonomous feeding solution. RationOva is undergoing trials at Benchmark Genetics, a prestigious name in the salmon breeding sphere.
"The early feedback from customers has confirmed the accuracy and reliability of our solutions, paving the way for us to expand our market presence," Atlason observes. Ration received substantial backing, including the largest grant from the Icelandic Minister of Food, complemented by funding from the Technological Development Fund. This financial support has been pivotal in establishing the company’s foundation.
Navigating a Growing Market
Ration enters the market during a promising time characterized by rapid growth in Iceland’s land-based salmon farming sector. "There’s a significant momentum, with land-based farms expanding. Smolt are being raised longer on land, making it a conducive environment for deploying our systems," Atlason notes.
However, the next challenge lies in scaling operations. As Ration seeks investment to expand sales, they are particularly interested in partners from the salmon farming sector who share a vision of implementing intelligent, sustainable solutions.
Broadening Horizons
While Ration’s technology is initially designed for salmon, Atlason sees potential for application in broader seafood sectors, including shrimp and shellfish.
"Our systems are smart; for instance, RationFeed doesn’t just count uneaten pellets but learns when to stop feeding automatically, adapting to the fish’s appetite without manual intervention," he explains. This adaptability not only minimizes waste but promotes healthier, quicker fish growth.
"We are committed to helping the industry optimize salmon raising conditions, ultimately increasing profit margins for producers," Atlason shares with conviction. With proven products, established partnerships, and a vision aligned with sustainability and efficiency, Ration is poised to become a significant player in the evolving aquaculture landscape. Atlason articulates an exciting future, saying, “We’ve built solid foundations; now we are ready to grow.”