The modern food industry is increasingly relying on automation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent product quality. The image shows an advanced apple sorting system that uses optical sensors, high-resolution cameras, and robotic vacuum grippers for precise fruit handling.
How Does the System Work?
The process begins by placing apples onto a conveyor system that guides them through a scanning area. Optical and laser sensors measure various parameters—size, shape, color, ripeness, and even microscopic defects. “Automated systems of this kind significantly speed up the selection process and ensure that only the highest quality fruit reaches the market,” explains Dr. Marko Petrović, a food technology expert.
Based on the collected data, the central computer makes decisions about the classification of each apple. Then, robotic arms use vacuum grippers to precisely move the fruit into designated containers or transport bins.
Leading Equipment Manufacturers
Several major companies dominate the market for automated sorting systems:
- Tomra Food (Norway) – One of the global leaders in developing food sorting technologies, using artificial intelligence.
- Compac Sorting Equipment (New Zealand) – Specializes in sorting apples, kiwis, citrus fruits, and avocados.
- GREEFA (Netherlands) – Focuses on sorting apples, pears, and tomatoes using precise optical analysis.
- Aweta (Netherlands) – Develops advanced sorting lines for citrus fruits, peaches, apricots, and apples.
Which Fruits Are Most Commonly Sorted?
Automated sorting systems are most commonly used for:
- Apples and pears – These machines are mainly designed to assess quality, color, and ripeness.
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruit) – Sorting based on size, peel color, and potential damage.
- Kiwi and avocado – Classification by weight, ripeness, and skin texture.
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries) – Technology identifies mechanical damage and ripeness level.
European and Global Experiences
In countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, automated sorting systems have become a standard in the food industry. In Italy, where millions of tons of apples are grown annually, companies such as Melinda and VOG Products use advanced sorting systems to ensure top-quality fruit for export across Europe.
In the United States, particularly in states like Washington and California, major fruit producers are investing in AI-driven systems that can detect even the smallest imperfections on fruit.
“The future of the agri-food industry lies in robotic selection and artificial intelligence. Automation not only speeds up production but also guarantees consistency in product quality,” emphasize experts from the European Fruit Growers Association.
With increasing market demands, producers worldwide are increasingly adopting these systems, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality fruit, free from damage and at optimal ripeness.
Foto: © Messe Berlin GmbH
