SBIR-STTR Award

Connected shellfish grading system and integrated data management platform
Award last edited on: 7/16/2021

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOC : NOAA
Total Award Amount
$149,600
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
9.1.01
Principal Investigator
Daniel P Ward

Company Information

Ward Aquafarms LLC

51 North Falmouth Highway
North Falmouth, MA 02556
   (603) 505-0865
   hello@wardaquafarms.com
   www.wardaquafarms.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 09
County: Barnstable

Phase I

Contract Number: NA20OAR0210321
Start Date: 7/1/2020    Completed: 12/31/2020
Phase I year
2020
Phase I Amount
$149,600
The project will develop a low-cost, connected, sorting system which utilizes smart cameras to measure dozens of oysters per minute, in three dimensions, and then sort into different size classes based on those data. Utilizing low-cost technology significantly reduces labor costs, while increasing the number of product offerings and simultaneously improving the reliability of each oyster grade. These data are then serialized to associate with a particular bag of oysters, and stored in the cloud. The serialized length/width/height data are associated with additional components such as harvest temperature, real-time, cellular-based temperature and location tracking sensors, as well as farm environmental data which are important to consumers, regulators and farmers. Separate interfaces allow farmers to know exactly which products are in which location, and how they are being handled all the way through to the final consumer. Regulators can log in and view harvest temperature and location, as well as shipping temperature through to the final consumer to ensure product quality, as well as rapid trace-back if a recall is necessary. Finally, consumers can view information about the particular bag of oysters they are purchasing, including harvest time and location, as well as temperature to increase quality standards throughout the industry.

Phase II

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Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
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Phase II Amount
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