AutoFeedZ™: The Robotics Breakthrough Transforming Zebrafish Feeding Forever

In zebrafish research, feeding is one of the most repetitive, labor-intensive, and error-prone tasks in the daily workflow. Dozens—or even hundreds—of tanks must receive precisely measured feed quantities at consistent times. Yet labs continue to rely on manual feeding, leaving room for variability that can influence growth, breeding, and experimental outcomes.

Aquaneering’s AutoFeedZ™ changes that paradigm forever. This vision-guided, fully autonomous robotic feeder introduces a new era of precision, safety, and efficiency in aquatic research. Purpose-built for zebrafish facilities of all sizes, it gives researchers the power to automate one of the most demanding parts of their day—without altering infrastructure or reconfiguring existing racks.

AutoFeedZ™ is “Smart • Safe • Flexible • Autonomous”, delivering “true automation to zebrafish research” through advanced robotics, intelligent navigation, and closed-loop confirmation systems.

Designed for Modern Zebrafish Labs—No Modifications Required

One of the most striking advantages of AutoFeedZ™ is its plug-and-go compatibility. Many robotic systems require extensive facility upgrades, customized racks, or control systems. Not this one.

AutoFeedZ™ works with any rack, from any manufacturer, and requires no retrofitting and no facility modifications — Compatible with all rack systems—no retrofitting required and No facility modification required – Plug and Go.

For facilities already running at capacity, or those planning phased expansions, this flexibility translates to real savings. Labs can adopt automation immediately—without new plumbing, no rewiring, and no special integration work. Just power it on and let it work.

Vision-Guided Robotics for Precise, Repeatable Feeding

At the heart of AutoFeedZ™ is a sophisticated vision system that intelligently identifies tank locations and delivers feed with pinpoint accuracy. It uses intelligent robotics [to] identify tanks and deliver exact feed volumes, ensuring each population receives the correct ration every single time.

This precision is not just about convenience—it enhances reproducibility. Consistent feeding reduces variability between tanks and minimizes the risk of under- or over-feeding, which can affect growth rates, reproductive cycles, and overall health. For facilities conducting longitudinal studies or large-scale experiments, this level of accuracy is invaluable.

Autonomous, Human-Safe Navigation

Inside a busy zebrafish facility, equipment and personnel are constantly in motion. AutoFeedZ™ is designed for these dynamic environments. Its onboard sensors provide human-safe navigation, allowing the robot to detect people, carts, and unexpected obstacles while adjusting its path in real time .

This means operations continue uninterrupted. Staff do not need to clear hallways or coordinate schedules around the robot. AutoFeedZ™ simply navigates the facility like a trained technician would—only more consistently, and without fatigue.

Closed-Loop Sensors for Verified Feeding

Every tank counts. A missed feeding in a large facility can easily go unnoticed yet cause downstream issues for fish health, breeding programs, or research timelines.

To eliminate this risk, AutoFeedZ™ includes closed-loop sensors that confirm successful feeding. These sensors ensure the robot not only performs the feeding action but verifies that each tank received its dose.

This verification system adds a new level of quality control to daily husbandry tasks. Facilities gain peace of mind knowing that feeding was completed accurately and documented automatically.

Labor Savings That Let Teams Focus on What Matters Most

Feeding hundreds of tanks manually can take hours each day, limiting the time available for husbandry checks, water quality monitoring, breeding management, or research support. AutoFeedZ™ reclaims that time.

By handling routine feedings autonomously—day after day—it reduces physical strain on staff and allows technicians to prioritize higher-value tasks. For growing facilities, it also helps minimize the labor burden associated with expansion.

AutoFeedZ™ brings “reliable operation, day after day.”

A Future-Ready Platform for Aquatic Automation

Automation is no longer a luxury in modern life-science facilities—it’s a necessity. As demands on zebrafish programs increase, facilities must scale efficiently while maintaining scientific integrity.

AutoFeedZ™ is more than just a robot; it’s a step toward a fully connected, data-driven aquatic research environment. Its autonomous navigation, adaptive feeding intelligence, and confirmation systems establish a foundation for future smart-lab integrations.

Conclusion: Feed Smarter. Research Faster.

Aquaneering has long been a leader in aquatic housing innovation, and AutoFeedZ™ reflects that legacy with a forward-thinking solution that addresses the real challenges of zebrafish husbandry. It’s safe, reliable, flexible, and remarkably easy to adopt.

For facilities seeking to reduce labor costs, standardize feeding, and increase research throughput, AutoFeedZ™ delivers.

The future of aquatic automation is here—and it’s feeding your fish.