Revolutionizing Shrimp Grading: SMART Sorter vs. Traditional Roller Grader

At one of our Ecuadorian shrimp customer processing plant, we recently conducted a side-by-side study to answer a critical question: How much value can the SMART Sorting technology bring to shrimp grading? Our expert team put the SMART Shrimp Sorter to the test once again against a traditional roller grader (dimensional grader), using identical batches of shrimp HOSO, HLSO, under strictly controlled conditions.

Study Design: A True Apples-to-Apples Comparison

Unbiased comparison!

• 20Kg HOSO graded first in an obsolete roller grader, then graded in a Smart Sorter.

• 20Kg HLSO graded first in an obsolete roller grader, then graded in a Smart Sorter.

Each sample was untouched, the only change was the grading technology.

After grading, all samples complied with the product spec and were verified by QC personnel.

Results: The SMART Sorter Advantage

The results were nothing short of impressive and confirm the advantages of the SMART Sorter over the traditional roller grader.

TEST 1: HLSO

When grading HLSO shrimp with a wide distribution, the Smart Sorter delivered a significantly higher yield in the higher-priced size (36-40/Lb), achieving 16.4% vs. 8%. Additionally, 20% of the product had to be regraded in the roller grader, which means that for every 5 hours of grading, 1 hour is needed for regrading. Every day, in 2-to 20-hour shifts, four hours of wasted time are required for re-grading. In 300 days per year, this adds up to 1,200 hours. When multiplied by the number of people needed for regrading, this can easily exceed 20,000+ man-hours per year.

TEST 2: HOSO

When grading HOSO shrimp, the SMART Sorter was able to upgrade a portion of the lot into a new premium 20-30/Lb size, capturing 9.1% in a new larger, higher priced product, and 17% increase in a larger size 30-40. Additionally, the SMART Sorter virtually eliminated outliers that would otherwise require re-grading, resulting in significant labor savings, as seen in Test 1, equivalent to over 20,000 man-hours per year.

These results confirm that the SMART Sorter not only maximizes the volume of high-value shrimp but also streamlines operations by minimizing manual rework, ensuring that every shrimp is graded to its optimal value. This means higher profits, less labor, and a more reliable product for our customers.

• Superior Size Uniformity: The SMART Sorter’s advanced vision-based system individually images and weighs each shrimp, ensuring precise, consistent grading. This eliminates the “big shrimp giveaway” that often occurs with roller graders, where valuable large shrimp are misclassified into lower-value categories.

• Increased Yield of Premium Sizes: By accurately sorting shrimp into the correct size bins, the SMART Sorter maximizes the volume of higher-value product, directly boosting revenue per batch.

• No need for regrading - Reduced Labor: The automated process requires minimal manual intervention, freeing up staff and reducing costly rework. Real-time data and batch tracking also enable smarter, data-driven decisions for plant managers.

• Faster, More Reliable Operation: The SMART Sorter maintains high throughput without sacrificing accuracy, outperforming traditional roller graders in both speed and precision.

Test 1 HLSO Shrimp Grading Results

Test 2 HOSO Shrimp Grading Results

Why Upgrade to the SMART Shrimp Sorter?

Traditional roller graders, while familiar, are prone to misgrading and require significant manual oversight. In contrast, the SMART Sorter leverages cutting-edge laser imaging and AI-driven algorithms to deliver unmatched accuracy and efficiency. According to industry case studies, processors using the SMART Sorter have reported savings in average of $0.04 to $0.15+ per pound.

One Ecuadorian exporter even called it the “Ferrari of shrimp grading” after seeing the results firsthand with several SMART Sorters installed at his facility.

Want to see the difference for yourself? Check out our test video here: SMART Sorter vs. Roller Grader – Ecuador Plant Study We currently have more than 18 Sorters installed in Ecuador, and 100 systems installed worldwide.

Watch a short video below>>

Conclusion: The Future of Shrimp Grading Is SMART

Our study confirms what leading processors worldwide have already proven upgrading to the SMART Shrimp Sorter is a strategic investment that pays for itself in months, not years. With better product uniformity, higher yields, and real-time data insights, the SMART Sorter is the standard for shrimp grading in the world.

Ready to upgrade your plant’s performance? Contact us today to schedule a demo or in-house test with your own product.