A new robotic system developed in China is being positioned as the world’s first intelligent squid-fishing robot, designed to replicate the precise hand movements used by human fishers to lure squid from deep waters toward the surface. 

By mimicking these subtle motions, the machine aims to improve both catch efficiency and consistency in challenging offshore conditions.

The robot is currently undergoing sea trials aboard the Song Hang scientific research vessel. The ship is scheduled to carry out an extended survey mission in the northwestern Pacific Ocean through September, giving researchers an opportunity to evaluate the robot’s performance in real-world marine environments.

Robot brings human-like precision to offshore fishing

Unlike conventional automated systems used on squid-fishing vessels worldwide, the new robot is designed to respond dynamically to squid behavior, adjusting its movements based on how the animals bite. This adaptive capability allows it to deliver a level of precision closer to that of experienced human fishers, potentially improving both efficiency and catch rates, the South China Morning Post reported.

The robot is being tested aboard the Song Hang research vessel, which departed on June 8 from Changxing Island near Shanghai. According to Chinese media, the vessel has embarked on a 90-day scientific expedition to study fishery resources in the high seas of the northwestern Pacific.

Developed by Shanghai Ocean University in collaboration with China Fisheries Zhoushan Ocean Fishery Co, the squid-fishing robot was deployed aboard the research vessel as part of its ongoing sea trials.

As the world’s largest seafood producer, China maintains an extensive distant-water fishing fleet made up of thousands of vessels, including squid boats operating across major fishing grounds worldwide, particularly near the South American coast. 

However, concerns have repeatedly been raised about parts of China’s distant-water fishing fleet, with critics citing allegations of illegal fishing, poor working conditions for crew members, environmental harm to marine ecosystems, and, in some cases, suspected espionage-related activities.

Targeting inefficiencies in squid jigging

Industrial squid fishing typically relies on a method known as jigging. At night, vessels deploy powerful lights that can even be seen from space to attract squid, which are drawn in along with their prey. Once the squid gather near the surface, lines fitted with bait are lowered into the water and rapidly jerked up and down to imitate small prey such as shrimp, triggering strikes before the catch is reeled aboard.

According to Chen Xinjun, a professor at Shanghai Ocean University and leader of the intelligent fishing project, traditional squid fishing depends heavily on crew judgment to detect bites, which can lead to inefficiencies and lost time during operations.

While many industrial squid vessels already rely on automated systems to handle repetitive tasks such as jerking fishing lines and hauling in catch, these machines typically operate on pre-set programs configured by humans according to local sea conditions.

Chen further explained that the new intelligent squid-fishing system goes a step further by using sensors and adaptive control. It responds in real time to squid behavior, including biting and escape movements, with the goal of reducing ineffective operations and lowering dependence on human decision-making during fishing.

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