Insect rearing system with shelf-integrated feeding

Abstract

An automated insect rearing system (10) is disclosed, comprising: a rack arrangement (12) comprising: a rack (14) having a plurality of rack storage locations (34) for storing a corresponding plurality of trays (16), wherein each of the trays (16) is configured to receive insects during a rearing period; a storage and retrieval machine (RBM) (18) having a vertically movable load-handling means (LAM) (36) configured to transport the trays (16) and to store and retrieve them horizontally into and from the storage locations (34); and a food applicator (44) configured to distribute insect food over the insects located in one of the trays (16); wherein the applicator (44) is arranged: on the RBG-LAM (36) or in at least one of the storage locations (34), which is configured as a food supply station.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the industrial rearing of insects, for example, for use as feed (in livestock farming) or as a protein source, using an automatically operated storage rack system in which the insects are stored in, preferably long, containers or trays on the rack during the rearing period. In particular, it concerns the automation of the feeding process.

[0002] The industrial breeding of insects for the production of animal feed, for example, is a growing field that offers a sustainable source of protein for animal feed. Commonly farmed insect species include black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), and house crickets (Acheta domesticus), as they have a high protein content, a fast growth rate, and are easy to breed. Rearing and propagation can be achieved by maintaining an initial population of adult insects to lay eggs. The eggs can be collected and transferred to special incubation containers. The eggs can be incubated under controlled conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). Hatched larvae are fed in containers with a nutrient substrate. Commonly used nutrient substrates are organic waste, residues from food production, or special feed mixtures.The nutrient substrate is introduced into the containers containing the larvae. This can be done manually or automatically. Many modern facilities use automated systems to make feeding more efficient and consistent. Automatic conveyor systems transport the food to the individual rearing containers outside the shelves, and automatic dosing systems ensure that the correct amount of food is added to each container. After a specific growth period, the larvae are harvested. This is done, for example, by sieving or other separation methods. The harvested larvae are cleaned and often sterilized by heating or drying to eliminate pathogens. The larvae are dried to extend their shelf life. The dried larvae are processed into powder or pellets for easier inclusion in feed.The insect meal is mixed with other ingredients to produce balanced feed for farm animals such as fish, poultry or pigs.

[0003] Automated feeding systems play a pivotal role in industrial insect farming, ensuring efficient and consistent feeding. As mentioned above, conveyor systems can transport feed from a central feed storage area to rearing bins located separately and outside the storage area. Screw conveyors use a rotating screw to transport the feed. Belt conveyors use a moving belt to move the feed to the bins. Vacuum conveyors use negative pressure to suck feed through pipes to separately arranged feeding stations.

[0004] WO 2016 / 166471 A1 describes a high-bay warehouse where rearing containers are stacked on top of each other during the growth phase and rest on pallets in the rack where growth takes place. The pallets are loaded and unloaded using storage and retrieval machines and transported from the storage area (zone 1) to a separately arranged handling area (zone 2) via conventional conveyor technology. At the interface between the two areas, the containers are unstacked, i.e. separated, before being filled with (insect) food, restacked, and returned to the rack storage area. The same handling approach is described in WO 2014 / 171829 A1, but without the use of pallets and pallet racks in the storage area. The growing on the one hand and any type of handling, such as feeding, of the insects (larvae) on the other hand takes place in spatially clearly separated areas.

[0005] US 2023 / 0210097 A1 describes an automated mass breeding process for mosquito larvae. Rearing containers (bags made of two rigid, sealed plastic layers) are filled with larvae and food, placed in trays, and stored on a shelf. When food needs to be replenished, mechanical robotic arms and conveyor belts are used to automatically move the larvae trays and bags. The conveyor systems use vacuum suction cups to lift and evenly distribute the bags, minimizing the risk of imbalance and damage. Sensors continuously monitor growth conditions and automatically adjust temperature and lighting to ensure optimal growth conditions.

[0006] EP 3 944 759 A1 describes an automatic vertical lift module (VLM) in which trays for growing plants are used in a so-called storage lift. The storage lift consists of two shelves, between which a storage machine (lift) is arranged to horizontally load and unload the trays, transfer them between different shelf storage locations, and communicate them with the outside world via an interface (service opening). One of the shelf storage locations is configured as a watering station, to which the trays are brought from the storage machine to be filled with water. After watering, the trays are returned by the storage machine to their original shelf storage locations.

[0007] According to its title, WO 2022 / 180128 A1 relates to a transport device and a transport method in insect breeding.

[0008] According to its title, US 2017 / 0 360 014 A1 concerns an autonomous feeding platform for insects.

[0009] According to its title, US 2013 / 0319 334 A1 concerns systems and methods for rearing insect larvae.

[0010] According to its title, US 2020 / 0 323 173 A1 concerns an automated insect rearing system, a container and modules.

[0011] According to its title, DE 10 2021 117 134 B3 relates to a device and a method for rearing insects in a high-bay warehouse.

[0012] According to its title, EP 4 118 963 A1 relates to an arrangement for breeding insects and methods for breeding insects using the arrangement.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved automated insect rearing system that, in particular, avoids contamination of the insects and unnecessary transport routes. Rearing should be time-optimized.

[0014] This object is achieved by an automated insect rearing system according to claim 1.

[0015] Integrated management eliminates contamination of the insects during off-site transport. Furthermore, handling cycles required for removal from the storage area are eliminated, which also significantly increases energy efficiency.

[0016] The management, especially the feeding, is efficient and compact. The growing insects—as living organisms—are treated with care, particularly by moving them as little as possible.

[0017] The system's footprint is small because an external feeding station is not required. The available space is optimally utilized.

[0018] The system is assembled from simple components. It is modular. The system is easy to install.

[0019] The system is energy-efficient because it limits the amount of insects transported. Transport routes are shorter. Less energy is required for transport. The transport routes do not require separate air conditioning. Connecting conveyor technology is eliminated.

[0020] The risk of contamination of the insects during growth is reduced. The insects do not leave the growth area. They remain permanently in the shelving arrangement. There is no contact with the outside world. Contamination from conveyor technology or any handling location other than the warehouse is eliminated.

[0021] Destacking and stacking are eliminated, thus reducing handling time.

[0022] The applicator can be moved freely within the racking arrangement and can reach any area of ​​the racking. It is possible to supply both the top and bottom storage levels directly with food without retrieval. If the applicator is mounted on the load handling device of the storage and retrieval machine, the lifting and retrieval of the tray is not considered retrieval in the traditional sense, where the load carrier leaves the racking arrangement. The relocation and retrieval operations required for feeding are completely eliminated.

[0023] Preferably, the system further comprises a feed silo, which is particularly attached to the LAM, and more preferably to its platform. The silo can be directly connected to the applicator.

[0024] The food silo on the LAM, especially on its platform, improves the efficiency and continuity of the food supply. This reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures a constant supply of food to the insects. Travel distances are saved because the food is brought to the insects, not the other way around. With appropriate silo dimensions, the storage and retrieval machine can operate independently for extended periods without the need for food replenishment. The silo on the LAM can be filled at a higher position in the racking arrangement, where cleaning and maintenance of the LAM's facilities can also be performed.

[0025] Preferably, the applicator is arranged above a platform of the load-handling device of the storage and retrieval machine, and in particular is mounted so as to be movable along the platform.

[0026] A movably mounted applicator above the platform of the storage and retrieval machine's load-handling device enables precise and flexible distribution of the food, making feeding the insects even more efficient, tailored to their needs, and, above all, more uniform. The applicator's placement above the platform allows for gravity-fed feeding. The LAM has a flat design.

[0027] Preferably, the applicator is designed to distribute the food as needed, in particular evenly, over the insects located in one of the trays.

[0028] The even distribution of food among the insects in a tray ensures optimal nutrition, resulting in more even and healthier insect rearing. Uneven weight distribution during growth within the rearing container is avoided.

[0029] Preferably, the applicator further comprises at least one of the following components: a vision system; a heat source; and / or a gripper.

[0030] By integrating components such as a vision system, a heat source and / or a gripper, the applicator can perform additional tasks, such as monitoring the health of the insects, providing heat and handling objects, increasing the automation and efficiency of the system.

[0031] Preferably, the system further comprises a conveyor system configured to transport the insects to and from the shelf arrangement, wherein the conveyor system is arranged in particular above the shelf and extends through the shelf arrangement.

[0032] A conveyor system that transports the insects to and from the shelving optimizes material flow and increases the efficiency of the entire rearing process. Arranging the insects above the shelving and allowing them to flow through the shelving maximizes space utilization and improves the transport route.

[0033] Preferably, the shelf is designed for multiple-depth storage of the shelves.

[0034] The multi-deep storage facility increases storage capacity within the shelving system, allowing more insects to be raised in a limited space. Storage density is maximized.

[0035] Preferably, the system further comprises a housing that completely, and in particular tightly, surrounds the shelf arrangement.

[0036] A housing that completely and tightly surrounds the rack arrangement protects the insects and the equipment from external influences and contamination, which improves hygiene and control over the rearing conditions.

[0037] Preferably, the shelving arrangement is a storage lift.

[0038] The use of a storage lift within the racking arrangement enables fast and efficient vertical movement of the trays, which shortens access times and optimizes tray handling. The footprint is extremely small.

[0039] Preferably, the system further comprises an air conditioning device, which is provided in particular within the shelf arrangement and which is arranged above the shelf, and more preferably within the housing.

[0040] A climate control system within the racking system ensures optimal environmental conditions for insect rearing, resulting in improved insect health and productivity. An optional heat source from the applicator on the LAM can be used as part of the climate control system to achieve the desired climate control of the racking system.

[0041] Preferably, each of the trays comprises: a horizontally encircling frame and an insert, wherein the frame preferably never leaves the rack arrangement and wherein the conveyor system and the load handling means of the storage and retrieval machine are configured to handle the inserts (e.g., lifting, placing and transporting).

[0042] The horizontal frame of the trays remains in the racking arrangement, while the inserts are handled by the conveyor system and the load handling device of the storage and retrieval machine. This reduces wear on the trays and allows for more efficient handling and cleaning of the inserts. Harvesting of the insects can be performed at a remote location without moving the trays from the racking arrangement.

[0043] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Examples of embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a block diagram of a system for automated insect rearing; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a shelf arrangement; Fig. 3 a side view of the shelf arrangement of the Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a top view of the shelf arrangement of the Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 a perspective view of a food applicator on a load handling device of a storage and retrieval machine.

[0045] The present disclosure generally relates to a system 10 for the industrial rearing of insects used, for example, as feed (in livestock farming) or as a protein source, using an automatically operated (storage) rack assembly 12 in which the insects are stored in (long) trays 16 in rack 14 during the rearing period. In particular, it concerns the automation of the feeding process that takes place within rack assembly 12.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system 10 for the industrial breeding of insects. The system 10 has a rack assembly 12. The rack assembly 12 has one or more shelves 14 configured to store a plurality of trays 16, and at least one storage and retrieval machine (hereinafter also referred to as "SRM") 18. The rack assembly 12 may further include an air conditioning device 20 and / or a food silo 22 serving as a store for insect food. The system 10 may further include a conveyor system 24 and / or a control device 26. The rack assembly 12 may be implemented as a storage lift 28. The rack assembly 12 may be arranged in a housing 30, which is preferably (hermetically) sealed. The conveyor system 24 may extend through the housing 30 and through the rack assembly 12.

[0047] The Lagerlift 28 is an automated storage system used in intralogistics to efficiently manage and store goods. Lagerlifts 28 are computer-controlled systems that automatically load and retrieve goods. This reduces manual labor and increases efficiency. By storing goods vertically, Lagerlifts 28 make optimal use of the available space. This is particularly advantageous in warehouses with limited space. The Lagerlifts 28 enable quick and direct access to the stored goods. This shortens access times and improves productivity. The goods can be presented to an operator (not shown) at an ergonomically favorable height at an access opening (not shown), which reduces physical strain and increases work safety. In this application, operators and access openings can be dispensed with.The storage lifts 28 can be equipped with a warehouse management system (WMS) and / or with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, e.g. to optimize inventory management and improve information flow.

[0048] A typical example of a storage lift 28 is a vertical lift module (VLM), in which the shelves 14 are arranged vertically and are accessed via a motorized platform (load handling device, LAM) that transports the trays 16. This enables efficient and organized storage and retrieval of the trays 16. Storage lifts 28 are typically used in industries such as manufacturing, retail, the automotive industry, and anywhere where high storage density and fast access times are required. The general functionality and design of storage lifts 28 is described, for example, in the "White Paper 2 / 2019" entitled "STORAGE LIFTS - Functionality - Variants - Use", which can be accessed from the SSI Schäfer website (www.ssi-schaefer.com). This document explains the different functions of the storage lifts 28 in more detail.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the rack assembly 12, which, by way of example, comprises three (double-sided) storage lifts 28-1 to 28-3 arranged in a row. It is understood that more or fewer storage lifts 28 can be provided, in particular even just a single storage lift 28 (not shown). Fig. 3 shows a side view of the shelf arrangement 12 of the Fig. 2, looking along a longitudinal direction X into a shelf aisle 32 between the shelves 14. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the shelf arrangement 12 of the Fig. 2. The longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Z and a height direction Y are in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in a manner common in intralogistics and form a Cartesian coordinate system. The following description is made with simultaneous reference to the Fig. 2 to 4.

[0050] The storage lifts 28 are designed, for example, to be double-sided, with the shelves 14 being arranged to the left and right of the rack aisle 32. It is understood that one or more of the storage lifts 28 could also be designed only to be single-sided, with a shelf 14 being provided on only one side of the aisle 32. The shelves 14 are designed, for example, for double-deep storage of the trays 16, with two trays 16 being stored one behind the other in the transverse direction Z in the rack 14. It is understood that the shelves 14 can alternatively also be designed for single-deep or multiple-deep storage of the trays 16. Fig. 2, six separate shelves 14 are provided by way of example, with three shelves 14 each arranged to the left and right of the aisle 32. It is understood that several of the shelves 14 (in particular in the longitudinal direction X) can be connected to one another to form a single shelf 14. The shelves 14 are arranged stationary. The shelves 14 comprise an (outer) frame, which can be formed from vertical posts 15 (in the Y direction) and horizontal cross members (in the X and Z directions) as well as diagonal stiffening struts (in the XY and YZ planes). The frame further comprises (tray) receptacles, such as support angles, which are designed to receive and store the trays 16 within the shelves 14.

[0051] The shelves 14 define the shelf storage locations 34 (cf. Fig. 3), which are hereinafter referred to simply as "storage locations" 34. The storage locations 34 are arranged vertically one above the other. The storage locations 34 are preferably spaced minimally apart in the vertical Y direction to enable the highest possible storage density. The spacing can be selected to be small because the insects do not grow beyond the trays 16 during growth. The trays 16 can preferably be closed with a lid (not shown) to prevent the insects from escaping (and mixing with each other).

[0052] In the Fig. 2, three (stationary) RBGs 18-1 to 18-3 are shown as examples, because three storage lifts 28 are also provided. It is understood that the shelves 14 of the three storage lifts 28-1 to 28-3 could be served by one or more RBGs 18 movable in the X-direction. Each of the RBGs 18 has a load-handling device (hereinafter also referred to as "LAM") 36, which is configured to be moved (at least) in the vertical Y-direction. The LAM 36 comprises a (lifting) platform 38 (cf. Fig. 5). The platform 38 is configured to receive and transport one or more of the trays 16 (depending on the storage depth), in particular between the storage locations 34 and interfaces with the conveyor system 24, which is preferably arranged above the racks 14. The conveyor system 24 can be implemented, for example, by one or more (modular) belt conveyors. The conveyor system 24 can generally comprise continuous conveyors (roller conveyors, chain conveyors, belt conveyors, overhead conveyors, etc.) and / or discontinuous conveyors (AGVs, AGVs, AMRs, drones, etc.).

[0053] The (RBG) LAM 36 is configured to store the trays 16 horizontally in the transverse direction Z into the storage locations 34 and retrieve them from the storage locations 34. For this purpose, telescopic arms can be used, for example, which can be moved in the Z direction into the area of ​​the shelves 14 and then grasp the trays 16 and move them onto the platform 38.

[0054] The air conditioning device 20 (including ventilation) can also be arranged in an upper area of ​​the rack assembly 12 or the storage lifts 28, whereby a single air conditioning device 20 may be sufficient for several of the racks 14 or the storage lifts 28. An optional heat source of the applicator 44 on the LAM 36 can be involved in the desired air conditioning of the rack assembly 12 as part of the air conditioning device.

[0055] The shelf assembly 12 can be arranged within a housing 30. The housing 30 completely and particularly hermetically surrounds the shelf assembly 12. The housing 30 is configured to allow the conveyor system 24 to pass through without compromising the tightness. Fig. 2 shows three housings 30 as examples, whereby a separate housing 30 can be provided for each of the storage lifts 28. The housing 30 limits the volume within which the growth conditions must be controlled. Furthermore, the housing 30 minimizes the risk of contamination. The space within the housing 30 can be easily controlled.

[0056] The trays 16 can be trough-shaped containers that can be open at the top. The trays 16 are configured to be stored in the storage locations 34. The trays 16 can have components on their short side walls that correspond to the shelf supports. The trays 16 can have a (horizontally circumferential) frame, in particular made of metal, that is configured to receive one or more inserts 40. The inserts 40 can be made of plastic. The inserts 40 can also be trough-shaped. The inserts 40 can be inserted into the (tray) frame in a form-fitting manner. The inserts 40 can be moved separately from the trays 16. The inserts 40 can be moved in isolation from the tray 16 using the conveyor system 24, so that the trays 16 can always remain within the shelf arrangement 12 or the storage location 28.Within the shelving arrangement 12, the inserts 40 preferably remain within the trays 16, particularly to ensure safe handling and movement with the LAM 36. It is understood that it is also possible to configure the trays 16 so that they can also be moved on the conveyor system 24. In this case, the trays 16 can also leave the shelving arrangement 12, for example, to harvest the insects after the completion of the growth phase (at another, separate location). It is understood that, instead of trays 16, other conventional load carriers can also be used as rearing containers, such as conventional plastic storage containers measuring 400 x 600 x 400 mm3 or pallets.

[0057] The top view of the Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a possible route of the conveyor system 24 through the racking arrangement 12. A material flow is indicated by arrows 42. The trays 16 or inserts 40 can be exchanged between the conveyor system 24 and the stacker cranes 18.

[0058] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a part of one of the storage lifts 28. In this case, the LAM 36 is further provided with a food applicator 44. The applicator 44 is configured to distribute insect food (not shown) over the insects (not shown) located in the tray 16. The distribution is shown in the Fig. 5 by arrows 46. The applicator 44 can be arranged (vertically) above the platform 38. The applicator 44 is in the example of Fig. 5 is plate-like and extends substantially over the entire surface of the tray 16, which is positioned on the platform 38. The platform 38 can be plate-like. In the Fig. 5, the platform 38 is smaller, namely, for example, rib-like.

[0059] The applicator 44 can be designed like a rain shower to apply the (preferably liquid) food. In this case, the applicator is plate-like with a plurality of openings. The applicator 44 can be bracket-like, similar to a coat hanger, extending substantially in the transverse direction Z (not illustrated) and, in this case, is preferably movable in the X direction. The food can be sprayed onto the insects. In this case, the applicator 44 can be connected to a pneumatic line (not illustrated). A demand-based and / or uniform distribution of the food among the insects in the tray 16 is advantageous because the insects then grow evenly. This results in an even weight distribution.

[0060] The applicator 44 may further comprise one of the following components: a vision system; a heat source; and / or a gripper. The vision system may include one or more cameras and / or lighting means to generate (real-time) images of the insects within the tray 16, which can be evaluated using image processing programs, for example, to determine the growth stage of the insects. Furthermore, diseased insects can be identified and later sorted out using the gripper. The heat source can further support the growth of the insects.

[0061] In the Fig.5, the applicator 44 is attached to the RBG 18, and in particular to the LAM 36. Alternatively or additionally, one or more (connected) storage locations 34 can be provided with the applicator 44. In this case, the storage locations 34 become a shelf-integrated food supply station. This station is configured to supply the trays 16 with food, whereby the storage locations 34 required for the station are not used for storing the trays 16. The station can be arranged at any height within a shelf column.

[0062] The applicator 44 is connected to the food silo 22. The silo 22 represents a self-contained storage device. The food silo 22 can be positioned on the LAM 36 or at another location on the AS / RS 18. This means that the AS / RS 18 carries the silo 22 with it while the LAM 36 is moved. The silo 22 is dimensioned so that several of the trays 16 can be supplied with food before the silo 22 is empty. Alternatively, the silo 22 can also be provided at another location on the shelf arrangement 12, for example, on top of one or more of the shelves 14. In this case, the LAM 36 and / or the feed station are connected to the applicator 44, for example, via (flexible) hoses (not shown). Alternatively, pipes can also be used. It is understood that not only food but also medication can be supplied in this way.The silo on the LAM 36 can be filled at an upper position in the rack arrangement 12, where cleaning and maintenance of the LAM 36 equipment can also be carried out.

[0063] The applicator 44 can also be mounted on the LAM 36 so as to be movable in the transverse direction Z in order to be moved into the storage locations 34. In this case, the trays 16 are not moved out of the storage location 34 onto the platform 38, but remain in the storage location 34 itself during the food supply.

[0064] The applicator 44 may further include a dosing system (not shown). The dosing system ensures that each larval unit receives the correct amount of food. This is important to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding and to ensure optimal growth conditions. There are different types of dosing systems. With a volumetric doser, a fixed volume of food is dispensed. With a gravimetric doser, the food is dispensed in a precise amount based on its weight. With a time-controlled doser, the food is dispensed for a set period of time to achieve a specific amount.

[0065] Additional (optional) sensors and control systems can continuously monitor the feed quantity and distribution in the rearing tanks. They can also control environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. For example, level sensors can monitor the feed level in the rearing tanks and send signals when replenishment is needed. Humidity sensors can ensure that the feed does not become too moist to prevent mold growth. Temperature sensors can monitor the temperature to ensure optimal conditions for larval growth. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are central control units that can coordinate all feeding and environmental control. They can be programmed to regulate the feeding schedule, quantity, and frequency. In the case of automatic schedules, feeding times and amounts can be programmed in advance.Adjustments can be made in real time. Based on the data from the sensors, the system 10 can make adjustments to optimize feeding. The system 10 can record data on feeding amounts and environmental conditions to monitor and analyze larval efficiency and growth. One or more of the aforementioned devices can optionally be included in the applicator 44.

[0066] The applicator 44 can be easily and regularly maintained, for example, in the area above the shelves 14. Regular cleaning of the applicator 44 can be carried out directly on site to avoid blockages and hygiene problems.

[0067] Regular inspection of mechanical and electronic components allows for early detection and resolution of problems.

[0068] It is understood that instead of a storage lift 28, any other automatic storage system could be used, such as an automated high-bay warehouse or a paternoster rack, to name just a few examples. List of reference symbols 10 System for industrial insect breeding 12 Shelf arrangement 14 shelves 15 shelf posts 16 shelves 18 storage and retrieval machines (SRM) 20 Air conditioning system 22 Food silo 24 conveyor system 26 Control device 28 storage lift 30 housings 32 (shelf) aisle 34 (shelf) storage space 36 (RBG) load handling equipment (LAM) 38 Platform 40 insert 42 Material flow 44 Food applicator

Claims

[1] Automated insect rearing system (10) comprising: a shelf arrangement (12) comprising: a shelf (14) having a plurality of shelf storage locations (34) for storing a corresponding plurality of trays (16), each of the trays (16) being adapted to receive insects during a rearing period; a storage and retrieval machine (18) having a vertically movable load-handling means (36) which is designed to transport the trays (16) and to store and retrieve them horizontally into and from the shelf storage locations (34); and a food applicator (44) configured to distribute insect food over the insects located in one of the trays (16); wherein the food applicator (44) is arranged: on the load-carrying device (36) or in at least one of the shelf storage locations (34) which is set up as a food supply station. [2] Insect rearing system (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a food silo (22) which is preferably attached to the load-carrying means (36), and in particular to its platform (38). [3] Insect rearing system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the food applicator (44) is arranged above a platform (38) of the load-carrying means (36), and is preferably mounted so as to be movable along the platform (38). [4] Insect rearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the food applicator (44) is arranged to distribute the food as needed and / or evenly over the insects located in one of the trays (16). [5] The insect rearing system (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the food applicator (44) further comprises at least one of the following components: a vision system; a heat source; and / or a gripper. [6] Insect rearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a conveyor system (24) arranged to transport the insects to and from the shelf arrangement (12), wherein the conveyor system (24) is preferably arranged above the shelf (14) and extends through the shelf arrangement (12). [7] Insect rearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shelf (14) is arranged for multi-depth storage of the trays (16). [8] The insect rearing system (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a housing (30) completely surrounding the shelf assembly (12). [9] Insect rearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shelf arrangement (12) is a storage lift (28). [10] Insect rearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an air conditioning device (20) which is preferably provided within the shelf arrangement (12) and which can be arranged above the shelf (14), and preferably within the housing (30). [11] Insect rearing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the trays (16) comprises: a horizontally circumferential frame and an insert (40), wherein the frame preferably never leaves the shelf arrangement (12) and wherein the conveyor system (24) and the load handling means (36) are arranged to handle the inserts (40).

Images