Computer vision and robotics for the agri-food industry

About this expertise
In short- Automated food and process monitoring
- AI-driven data analysis
- Multi-sensor technology
- Industrial-scale robotics applications
Agri-food companies constantly need to ensure consistent product quality. At Wageningen University & Research (WUR), we offer solutions for automated quality inspection of agri-food and bio-based products. We develop advanced solutions for agri-food sector using optical sensing, AI and robotics solutions.
We combine non-destructive sensing, machine learning, and robotics to automatically and objectively measure products and processes. Our experts use 2D and 3D imaging, NIR, Raman and spectral imaging technology, and XRT to measure those key parameters.
Several of our solutions are commercial products where we take lab-scale results and ready them for real-world applications.Here we look at how all the information can be made applicable for actual practical use, ranging from classification of a batch of agri-food products to steering a sorting machine or robot. A close cooperation with product experts, software developers and industrial machine builders is crucial to ensure the correct translation into practice.
How we use machine (deep) learning
The data generated by the sensors is increasingly automatically analysed and interpreted via powerful machine learning methods. We have considerable experience in classical and modern learning methods. We frequently apply deep learning (Convolutional networks, Transformer networks, Large Language Models, Multi-Modal Models), as classical methods struggle to address the complexity of problems and data. These methods are used for identifying patterns in the data that correlate with the identified problems with higher reliability.
Sensors we use to measure product quality
We use cameras to capture the colour information and extract informative features to determine the quality of the products objectively. Objective measurements help in identifying any deviations from the standard and for determining the quality classification of the products.
Beyond colour, structure and shape are extremely informative features. We use multiple sensors like lasers, stereo and depth cameras, multiple 1/2-D cameras, to extract 3D information. WUR-developed ‘Marvin’-technology is being used for high-speed plant phenotyping, seedling sorting and other bulk quality assessment and sorting applications in industry.
Many properties of fresh food – like Brix, dry-matter, internal damage, firmness – are not visible. Spectrometers and hyperspectral cameras can help in identifying these properties non-destructively. We specialize in correlating spectral data with internal quality parameters. This technology is becoming increasingly cost-efficient, fast and suitable for industrial applications like automatic bulk sorting.
We also use sensing technologies such as XRT and Tera-Hertz imaging which provide considerable certainty regarding various internal quality aspects not caught by other sensors.
Facilities (1)
Get in touch with our expert
Interested in the possibilities? Contact us for an informal conversation.
A (Aneesh) Chauhan, PhD
vrij in te vullen (overschrijft de automatische rolbeschrijving)
