Mealworm monitoring for Smart Factory (2026-2028)

This project focuses on developing an intelligent monitoring system for the behavioral and growth-stage assessment of edible insects, particularly mealworms (*Tenebrio molitor*). As mealworm production in Korea transitions toward large-scale smart factory systems, continuous monitoring is becoming increasingly important for maintaining productivity, animal health, and stable rearing conditions. In particular, the proposed system aims to detect cannibalistic behavior, assess larval activity and spatial distribution, and identify changes in growth stage. To achieve these objectives, an RGB-D imaging system integrating color and depth information is being developed for installation in commercial mealworm production facilities. The collected imaging data will be used to develop computer vision and artificial intelligence models for automated, non-contact, and real-time monitoring of mealworm populations.