Key Takeaways:
- Entocycle and EnviroFlight have completed successful trials of Entocycle’s Entosight Neo optical dosing solution at EnviroFlight’s R&D Center in North Carolina.
- Entosight Neo uses imaging technology and machine learning to accurately count and dose black soldier fly (BSF) neonates, enhancing efficiency and precision.
- The trials showed a dosing accuracy rate of 95%+ with a mean absolute percentage error of 4.52%, maintaining high neonate survival rates.
- This partnership supports sustainable insect farming, leveraging BSF’s potential to convert food waste into valuable protein and oil products.
Precision Dosing Technology for Black Soldier Fly Farming
Entocycle, a UK-based insect farming technology company, has announced the success of its collaboration with EnviroFlight, a leading North American producer of insect-based ingredients. Formed in late 2023, this partnership brought Entocycle’s Entosight Neo optical dosing solution to EnviroFlight’s R&D Center in Apex, North Carolina, for comprehensive trials aimed at enhancing dosing precision for black soldier fly (BSF) neonates.
Entosight Neo combines imaging technology and machine learning to accurately count and dose neonates, a process critical for maintaining efficient BSF production. The system also includes data analytics capabilities, enabling operators to track trends, predict outcomes, and optimize their processes.
Testing and Results
EnviroFlight’s team collaborated with Entocycle’s technical experts to integrate Entosight Neo into their operations. Trials measured dosing accuracy, flow rate, and neonate survival rates. Entocycle’s optical solution uses high-speed cameras to precisely count neonates, contrasting with EnviroFlight’s current mass-based dosing method, which estimates target weight based on average neonate weight.
Across 24 doses in four trials, Entosight Neo achieved a dosing accuracy rate of 95%+ with a mean absolute percentage error of 4.52%. Neonate survival rates post-dosing remained consistent or higher than the control group, validating the system’s accuracy and effectiveness.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Insect Farming
This collaboration reflects Entocycle’s and EnviroFlight’s shared commitment to sustainable insect farming, particularly in BSF cultivation, known for its minimal environmental footprint and ability to transform food waste into high-value protein and oils. Insect-based products offer sustainable alternatives to traditional feed ingredients, reducing reliance on resource-heavy options like soy and fishmeal.
Liz Koutsos, PhD, President of EnviroFlight, commented on the partnership: “The results of Entosight Neo trials demonstrated significant improvement in dosing accuracy. Entocycle’s team brought valuable technical expertise and adaptability to our specific operations, and we look forward to future collaborations.”
Entocycle’s Managing Director, Matt Simmonds, added, “Working with EnviroFlight has shown how technology can drive value in insect farming through automation and precision. Accuracy in production leads to consistent quality, which is crucial for meeting customer expectations.”
This collaboration highlights the potential of advanced technology in scaling sustainable insect farming, an industry increasingly recognized for its role in advancing global food security and environmental sustainability.
