Continuous Net-Cleaning with a Wireless, Self-Operating Robot

13. August 2025 · Ukategorisert

Ultra AQ from Frøya has developed an autonomous, wireless robot designed to clean fish farm nets. The robot makes the cleaning process more efficient, environmentally friendly, and gentle on the fish – without the need for high-pressure washing cables.

The robot has secured Ultra AQ a nomination for the 2025 Innovation Award, which will be presented during Aqua Nor.

Cleans and Recharges Automatically

Inspired by robotic lawnmowers, the cleaning robot operates continuously within the farm. Lowered from a dock-in-station above the water, it systematically cleans the net before returning automatically to recharge – then resumes where it left off.

— It takes about two days for the robot to clean an entire net, and once it’s recharged, it starts again. This continuous cleaning keeps the nets spotless, prevents fouling, and improves water flow, Vilde Vaagø, Director at Ultra AQ, explains.

The company also plans to equip the robot with visual inspection and net condition monitoring tools, giving fish farmers valuable real-time information directly from the robot.

Gentle and Efficient Cleaning

Traditional net cleaning often involves large rigs or boats using high-pressure washers, typically once the net is already fouled.

— When you pressure wash a fouled net, hydroids are released into the water. These irritate the fish’s gills and eyes, causing them to lose their appetite, Vilde says.

— With our robot, we want to tackle the problem before it develops. Continuous cleaning means fouling doesn’t get a chance to take hold.

As well as being gentler to the fish, the robot reduces environmental impact.

— It’s electric, uses no chemicals during cleaning, and could eventually mean nets no longer need antifouling treatments, she adds.

Saves Fish Farmers Time and Improves Fish Health

By making net cleaning a fully automated, ongoing process requiring minimal supervision, the robot offers several advantages to fish farmers.

— With traditional cleaning, fish farmers often must halt other work, and the fish become stressed. Our robot works quietly in the background, so daily operations can continue as normal, Vilde says.

— It saves time and improves fish health, as the fish hardly notice the robot is there. Over time, we believe this could deliver major benefits for both welfare and productivity.

Finally ready for The Industry

Ultra AQ has been developing the concept since 2019, when the founders built their first prototype in Mats Ove Vaagø’s garage. Until now, they have kept the project close to their chests.

— The technology simply wasn’t ready until now. We’re excited to unveil the prototype at Aqua Nor, and the robot will be available on the market in 2025, Vilde says.