How artificial vision is transforming the food industry

Author: desarrollo
July 9, 2023

Artificial vision for the food industry has revolutionised the sector, bringing it to the cutting edge of technology. This is thanks to technological innovation that provides capture, processing, and analysis of images. This technology improves quality control for food products and reduces human error in production processes. In this post by E2M Couth, we will tell you about the different innovations in this sector related to vision systems for the food industry.

With automation and artificial intelligence, we can also optimise different processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for companies in the production of different foods. At E2M Couth, we are experts in artificial vision systems, which is why we are going to tell you how this has transformed the industry.

The role of artificial vision in the food industry

Artificial vision for the food industry is a technology that captures, processes, and analyses images during different stages of the production chain. In the food industry, artificial vision is essential to automate tasks, which reduces manual handling of food and, consequently, improves product quality.

How artificial vision technology works

At E2M Couth, we offer very high-quality artificial vision systems for the food industry, which is why we know how they work correctly. Artificial vision technology is based on using cameras and software algorithms that analyse the images generated.

These images may be captured both at the beginning and during the production process. They detect imperfections in foods, such as defects in shape, size, colour, and texture. The information provided by these cameras is helpful when making decisions and identifying possible issues in the production process.

The importance of artificial vision in reducing human error

This is another one of the big reasons why we can see that artificial vision has improved processes within the industry, reduced human error. Before, quality control was based on manual inspections and sensory tests that were slow and prone to error.

Now, artificial vision means you can automate these processes and attain greater precision and efficiency in quality controls. Moreover, thanks to this technology, defects in production can be detected and corrected more quickly.

Able to detect any defect

Artificial vision systems provide real-time analysis of foods to detect any imperfection in them. This way, you can remove foods with imperfections before they reach the end consumer, which guarantees the quality of the end product and increases consumer trust.

Artificial vision in the food industry is a fundamental tool to optimise processes, for quality control, and for food safety. Integrating this technology into food production not only improves product quality, but also reduces human error, increasing efficiency in production and reducing costs.

It is important to highlight that artificial vision is constantly evolving and can implement new solutions in the food industry to the benefit of consumers and the sector in general.

Artificial vision for the food industry: key to quality control

Artificial vision is revolutionising different quality control processes and safety in the food industry. The following are examples of how technology helps to optimise processes and improve safety and quality control for all products:

Automation in quality control processes

Automation in quality control processes makes early detection of anomalies possible thanks to artificial vision systems before the products go out for sale.

What is more, process automation provides greater capacity and speed in inspection, which translates to greater food safety for consumers. This aspect is definitely essential for the food industry to take a huge leap in terms of quality.

Technological innovations to improve efficiency in quality and safety processes

With the integration of artificial vision into the food industry, it is possible to inspect products more exhaustively, which reduces the possibility of contamination and defects in products during production.

The different light, colour, texture, and shape sensors for the products are analysed by these artificial vision systems to ensure that the product’s characteristics meet quality standards. This way, the data collected by artificial vision are analysed by artificial intelligence systems that connect with quality control automation systems to detect all problems in real time and reduce possible risks.

Artificial vision, fundamental on the production chain

Artificial vision for the food industry provides greater efficiency in identifying quality issues on the production chain, which significantly reduces production time and costs.

The data collected by these artificial vision systems make it possible to better identify and manage risks on the production chain, in addition to precise traceability monitoring for products. By using artificial vision and artificial intelligence technology, you can guarantee that your products meet the standards and guidelines set forth by health authorities.

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Examples of use of artificial vision for the food industry

Artificial vision is a technology with many different applications within the food industry. Here are some examples of its use:

Product classification

In addition to many other things, artificial vision for the food industry is used to classify food products based on their size, shape, colour, and quality. For example, in the fruit industry, vision systems are used to classify fruits based on their size and colour, thereby ensuring that only high-quality products are packed and shipped.

Quality inspection

As already stated, artificial vision is also used to inspect and detect defects in food, such as stains, breakage, and contaminants. Vision systems are able to quickly examine food products in search of imperfections and reject the ones that do not meet established quality standards. This includes stains, emptiness, and all other imperfections.

Labelling and packaging

Artificial vision is also applied to food product labelling and packaging processes. Vision systems are able to read and verify labels, bar codes, and expiry dates to guarantee precision in product labelling and that the content and the container properly match.

Portion control

This technology is also used to control food portions on production lines. Vision systems can precisely measure and control the weight and volume of food, ensuring that specifications are met and that each portion is correctly sized. One example would be filling bags with nuts or any other food product like this, perfectly calculating the weight that each bag should be carrying.

Contaminant detection

Detection of contaminants in foods is also an example of how one might use artificial vision. From foreign substances to undesired materials. Artificial vision systems for the food industry can visually inspect products to seek all foreign substances and immediately alert workers so they can take corrective action.

The benefits of implementing artificial vision for the food industry at companies

As you have seen, there are many uses for artificial vision in the food industry today. For this reason, we are now going to discuss the different benefits use of this technology can have for good companies.

Improved quality

Artificial vision systems for the food industry provide objective, precise inspection of products. As mentioned, they can identify defects, imperfections, or contaminants that are difficult for the naked eye to detect. This helps to guarantee greater quality for food reaching market, reducing the risk of defective or contaminated products.

Increased efficiency

Automating processes with these systems provides faster and more efficient production. They can inspect and classify at high speed, vastly exceeding human capacity. This helps to reduce production times and optimise company resources.

Reduced costs

By detecting and eliminating defective or contaminated products, artificial vision systems reduce the costs associated with producing low-quality food. What is more, since you have greater control over classification and packaging processes, you reduce food waste, which leads to significant savings.

Compliance with regulations and standards

Artificial vision systems for the food industry can help companies to fulfil quality regulations and standards established by the authorities. They can verify proper product labelling, guarantee precise quantities, and ensure that the food meets health and food safety requirements.

Food safety

Early detection of contaminants or foreign substances in food is essential to guarantee food health. These systems can quickly and precisely identify all undesired elements, preventing contaminated products from reaching consumers and reducing the risk of food-transmitted illness.

Improved traceability

Artificial vision can also be used to track and log relevant information on food products throughout the entire supply chain. Vision systems can read bar codes, labels, or marks to identify and track products, which makes food monitoring and traceability easier, all the way from the source to the end consumer.

Increased occupational safety

Automation of dangerous or repetitive tasks through artificial vision systems reduces worker exposure to hazardous situations. This helps to improve occupational safety and to protect the physical well-being of employees.

Innovation and standing out

Implementing artificial vision systems for the food industry allows companies to innovate in their processes and products. They can develop new inspection techniques, introduce changes to container design, or even create personalised products, which can help them to stand out on the market and remain competitive.

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Find the best artificial vision systems for the food industry at E2M Couth

After reading this post, we hope we have been able to clarify how artificial vision for the food industry has completely revolutionised the sector. Improving quality, achieving excellent traceability, and increasing production speed are just a few of the consequences of using this technology.

At E2M Couth, we are experts in this kind of technology. We have artificial vision systems for the food industry, as well as for other sectors, like industry, beverage, chemical, and more. What is more, our systems can inspect, orient, reject, and mark products.

We would also like to remind you that if you would like to learn more about our artificial vision systems and solutions, you can contact us and we will be delighted to help you.

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