Development of Digital Fish Simulation Model

Abstract

The installation and commissioning of fish processing lines can be challenging and expensive since many failures occur here. Each fish has its unique weight, shape, sliminess, and rigidity. The parameters, combined with fish behavior, represent the essential data for developing equipment and machines for fish processing lines. However, there is a lack of engineering approaches that address this data. Currently, most engineers design processing lines based on their experience of what will work. During New Product Development, however, it is challenging to predict fish behavior within new machines and systems. In this study, the researchers used the simulation program Unity to develop digital fish that were then used to test a fish processing line. The physics engine in Unity allows for mapping of parameters of the digital fish that correspond to natural fish behavior. A conveyor belt system was designed and imported into Unity and tested with digital fish. A physical version of the same conveyor belt system was built and tested with fish to verify the digital model. The experts from the industrial review board tested the prototype. They verified that the simulation of the fish processing line with digital fish gives a similar flow and distribution of fish as the physical fish processing line. The research indicates that using the program with a physical engine has the potential to make the design process more efficient and eliminate design flaws. This will contribute to the reduction of installation and commissioning time and cost for fish processing lines.