A Pilot Study on Tissue Deformation Using an Integrated Sensor–Actuator Blood Collection Setup in Aquaculture (Salmo salar)

Abstract

This pilot study presents a sensor–actuator setup designed to evaluate tissue deformation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) during needle insertion. The system integrates three types of low-cost, commercially available force sensors to capture force profiles and identify biomechanical events associated with tissue layer transitions. Controlled insertions were performed on a deceased specimen, and the resulting force data were analyzed to quantify insertion dynamics and estimate tissue deformation. A simulation model based on the recorded force values was developed to calculate stress distribution and deformation, which ranged from 0.001 µm to 8.4 µm and from 0.3 N/m2 to 4.9 N/m2, respectively. The results indicate minimal biomechanical disruption, supporting the feasibility of using sensor–actuator systems for minimally invasive procedures in aquaculture. Although biological responses such as inflammation and healing could not be assessed, this study lays the basis for future research involving live specimens and blood sampling. The findings carry important implications for fish welfare, offering a pathway toward ethical and automated sampling techniques in aquaculture and livestock applications.