Cocoa bean sorting with chemical imaging technology
Advanced chemical imaging technology for precise cocoa bean sorting, using hyperspectral imaging and AI to differentiate and separate nibs and shells with high accuracy.
Overview
Insort GmbH presents an innovative solution for cocoa bean sorting, leveraging Chemical Imaging Technology (CIT) to differentiate between nibs and shells. This technology employs a hyperspectral camera within the near-infrared spectrum, allowing for precise identification of chemical composition differences. By utilizing advanced AI algorithms and a high-precision air ejection mechanism, the system achieves a sorting accuracy with less than 0.25% oversorting, enhancing product quality and processing efficiency.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Hyperspectral Imaging: Utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze chemical differences between cocoa nibs and shells.
- AI Sorting Algorithms: Enhance decision-making capabilities for accurate identification and separation.
- High Precision Air Ejection: Capable of processing up to 50 million objects per hour with an ejection precision of 2 milliseconds.
- Proven Track Record: Successful applications in sorting sugar ends in potatoes, bitter almonds, and "stony peanuts."
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 2, indicating that it is at the stage of concept and application formulation. Insort GmbH plans to further validate the technology by building a model for sorting nibs and shells in their research facility, followed by testing in a real production environment over a three-month period.
About Insort GmbH
Insort GmbH, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Kirchberg an der Raab, Austria, is an automation machinery manufacturer specializing in food sorting and classification technologies. The company develops advanced systems that utilize its proprietary Chemical Imaging Technology (CIT) to identify and sort food products based on their chemical composition and visual characteristics. Their product portfolio, primarily marketed under the Sherlock machine series, includes solutions such as the Separator for whole potatoes, the Hypernova for small bulk products like nuts and dried fruits, and the Safeguard for integrated inspection and quality monitoring. By combining air separation technology with automated flap systems, these machines are designed to detect defects and foreign materials with high precision. Insort operates internationally with facilities in the United States and Canada and is part of the eivis group, a strategic alliance of companies focused on vision-based food processing solutions.
These technologies are critical for food producers, processors, and system integrators aiming to enhance food safety, improve process efficiency, and reduce waste. By providing real-time data and high-accuracy sorting, Insort helps customers meet stringent quality standards in industries ranging from fresh and processed vegetables to meat, snacks, and grains. The company’s solutions address complex challenges in foreign body detection and quality assurance, which are essential for maintaining consumer safety and operational performance. Their machines are used by global food enterprises to optimize production lines, ensure consistent product quality, and achieve sustainable manufacturing outcomes.
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