Resource efficiency and quality control are key priorities for food processors. Using sensor-integrated visual inspection and sorting, SmartSprout intends to optimise both – reducing waste and manual labour and generating reliable data to secure consistent food quality and traceability.

This validation project will apply smart vision technology to the trimming of brussels sprouts. Using a solution based on a ‘sproutcam’, sorting carrousel and trimming machine, the objective is to minimise food waste, ensure uniform quality and increase processing capacity with less labour requirements. The system will also provide detailed data on food safety and process performance.

Lead SME TechNature anticipates the system will benefit processing companies, retailers and consumers.

A producer of high-tech solutions for the agri-food market, TechNature is collaborating with Bac Investments, which processes agricultural products at facilities in Poland. Both partners are based in The Netherlands.

Final report summary
We have demonstrated a 22% reduction in cutting waste due to grading sprouts on their length-width ratio using our innovative sorting carrousel. As a result, we expect to generate three full-time positions to design, engineer, sell and service the sorting carrousel and SproutCam to customers in Europe.

Bac Investments expects to reduce manual labour needs considerably. This is mainly achieved by the ability to perform more trimming by machine instead of manually.

We have received many requests from vegetable processing companies to develop the sorting carrousel further into a commercial product.