На симпозиуме CRI в ЮАР представили AI-системы для автоматического контроля качества цитрусовых

South Africa plays a key role as one of the world's leading producers and exporters of citrus fruit, consistently supplying international markets characterised by strict and constantly evolving quality standards. In this competitive environment, scientific research, technological innovation and synergy across the entire supply chain are essential to safeguarding market access and enhancing the value of production. It is against this backdrop that the 13th CRI Citrus Research Symposium - the leading event organised by Citrus Research International - opens, bringing together the key players in the supply chain to share and discuss the latest developments in citrus research. Key topics include production, plant disease management, post-harvest practices and market access. Supporting the event as a 'Gold' Sponsor is Aweta, a world leader in the design and manufacture of grading and quality-selection technologies, which is attending the symposium alongside its long-standing local partner, Dormas. © Aweta Phytosanitary and commercial challenges facing the South African supply chain For operators in the South African citrus packing sector, accurately and consistently assessing the quality of every single fruit is no longer merely a matter of efficiency, but a requirement for commercial survival. Different customers and export markets have varying tolerances and quality requirements, and any defect can directly affect the grading, marketability and value of the final product. Among the most significant challenges facing South Africa's citrus sector is 'Citrus Black Spot', a skin defect that directly affects export opportunities and access to international markets. Added to this are other external quality issues such as rot, mottling, roughness, scalding and various other types of peel damage. Detecting these anomalies promptly and with absolute precision across large volumes requires the adoption of automated and intelligent inspection technologies. © Aweta The AI-based technological solution To meet these needs and support packers, Aweta offers cutting-edge visual and internal inspection solutions developed through continuous investment in Research and Development: - UltraVision (External Inspection): This is Aweta's most advanced visual inspection technology for round-shaped produce such as citrus fruits. By combining hyperspectral imaging, multiple cameras and 'Deep Learning AI' technology, UltraVision accurately assesses the external surface of each fruit to identify and classify a wide range of quality characteristics and visible defects, including black spots, rot and skin damage. Inscan Pulse (Internal Inspection): This technology complements the external inspection by performing a non-destructive measurement of the fruit's internal quality. The combined action of UltraVision and Inscan Pulse enables industry professionals to make extremely accurate and consistent sorting decisions. In this way, packing houses can optimise batch quality and better tailor their products to the stringent standards and specific requirements of different markets and customers, ensuring maximum commercial value. © Aweta A thirty-year partnership serving the region The success and reliability of these technologies in South Africa rest on the strategic partnership between Aweta and Dormas, a partnership that has now lasted for over 30 years. Thanks to this well-established collaboration, there are now over 300 active installations across the country. A pioneer in the application of artificial intelligence for citrus sorting, Aweta introduced AI-based technologies to the South African market four years ago, building a solid and loyal customer base that enjoys the consistency and repeatability of the sorting results on a daily basis. © Aweta For more information: www.aweta.com