IMO Automation and LIVE LOBSTERS? What’s going on?

It’s the story that has everything: little nippers, seawater tanks, and a high-tech control system designed to keep its cargo happy, healthy, and export-ready. No, this isn’t a seafood supplier’s fever dream—it’s a real-world automation win from IMO.

The Challenge:

Remote monitoring of lobster tanks at Lobster Alive – allowing the company to live up to their promise of delivering the freshest lobster in town. This called for a system that could detect problems with water flow and temperature, and automatically alert staff members. Without immediate action, a tank failure could lead to a very expensive seafood platter that nobody ordered.

Enter the IMO i3A and i3-MA.

These compact HMI/PLCs were used alongside the facility’s existing setup to monitor and manage three large seawater tanks. With built-in SMS alert capability, the system could quickly notify staff when water flow stopped or became too hot or too cold.

the IMO i3A promo image

Thanks to familiar Modbus communication protocols and modular remote I/O, the installation and setup was a breeze. The i3A handled digital and analogue signals, while the i3-MA sent alerts straight to mobile phones—perfect for out-of-hours emergencies. Maybe you wouldn't mind getting a late night "U up?" text if it was followed by "So is the temperature in your lobster tank."

diagram of IMO lobster containment solution with flow sensor and temp input and SMS alert output

The Result:

Peace of mind for the team at Lobster Alive, and a triumph for IMO’s lobster containment solution. According to the business owner, instant SMS alerts have allowed them to maintain stable conditions all year round, helping them strive to keep all the Lobster Alive lobster livestock alive.

In Summary:

So, whether it’s managing conveyor belts or protecting shellfish, IMO’s solutions prove that good automation isn’t just smart—it’s lifesaving. Check out our IMO range online or get in touch with the LED Controls team of experts to see what IMO can offer you!

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Read the full case study here