X-rays find flaws in food

Robotic food processing is benefiting from the increased use of x-ray imaging to inspect products for damage caused by insects or disease and then either grade the product or direct automatic trimming robots to remove a defect. Fresh lettuces can be scanned for stones and insect damage and the image used to position and align the lettuce for automatic core removal. To take advantage of the potential of x-ray imaging, Zen Automation (Brisbane, Australia; www.zenautomation.com) teamed with Applied Sorting (Bulleen, Australia; www.appliedsorting.com.au) to incorporate x-ray sensing into robotics processing systems. Software developed by Zen Automation enables the systems to handle products presented in random orientation and position on a belt.

Applied Sorting has also released a new dual-lane version of its x-ray inspection system that enables two streams of different products to be inspected simultaneously. In addition to offering the capabilities of two machines for not much more than the price of one, the new system is expected to reduce the cost of ancillary material-handling facilities and to save floor space. The dual-lane version is targeted at inspecting frozen foods, bakery products, small goods, confectionery, dips, and powdered food products such as cake mixes and beverages.