From catch to consumer: enhancing seafood processing management with Industry 4.0 innovations

Abstract

The incorporation of Industry 4.0 technologies into the seafood processing sector presents a transformative potential for improving efficiency, sustainability, and transparency throughout the supply chain. This study aims to examine the impact of such technological advancements, including automation, robotics, blockchain, computer vision, AI, and IoT, on the seafood industry's operations, ranging from sorting, cleaning, and packing to quality assessment and product preservation. Conducted through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of Web of Science-indexed papers, this research assesses the synergy between innovation and business 4.0 technologies in seafood processing. Our findings suggest that these technologies not only promise enhanced operational efficiency and product quality but also offer sustainable practices through energy-efficient methods, waste management techniques, and innovative packaging solutions. Additionally, the study addresses the workforce implications, underscoring the shift in job roles towards more specialized and value-added positions rather than outright displacement. The primary data collected and analyzed herein underscores the critical role of Industry 4.0 in promoting sustainable resource management, optimizing processes, and ensuring ecological responsibility within the seafood sector, thereby contributing to the broader goals of food security and environmental sustainability.