Project

The n.º 33652 OTICALFRUT project aims to develop an innovative optical system for the automatic and non-invasive fruit sorting using internal quality and internal defects classification parameters. This system will be integrated on the sorting machine’s range from CALIBRAFRUTA and will allow fruit sorting through the above-mentioned properties in association with other previously selected parameters, like calibre and external defects.

This project has three interconnected objectives:
1) answer to a detected market need, which is the characterization of the internal properties of the fruit (internal quality and internal defects) on a sorting machine, by non-invasive and prompt means;

2) provide Calibrafruta with a competitive advantage regarding its competitors, based on the technology that can supress that need;

3) bring the sorting machine to the 4.0 industry paradigm, making it the recollection and analysis centre of big data, through intelligent algorithms, to benefit the entire rank.

The main vector to reach these goals is the research and development of an automatic fruit sorting prototype based on the determination of internal quality and internal defects detection parameters, by non-invasive methods and innovative spectroscopic techniques, able to select fruit in automatic mode, store spectral information over time and process its evolution patterns.

Approval Date | 2018-07-20
Start Date | 2018-09-01
Conclusion Date | 2021-08-31

Investment | 703.570,60€

Objectives
CALIBRAFRUTA – Equipamentos Hortofrutícolas, Lda. intends to create additional activities that would not be primarily performed or that would be performed only on a limited way. This way, in a partnership with MCM and the University of Algarve it intends to enlarge its market by offering a non-invasive internal quality and internal defects automatic sorting module, in an electronic sorting machine. To reach this goal it needs to develop sophisticated technology and consequently acquire new internal competences.

This project execution will allow important innovations on the product innovation domain, possible by the creation of new products/developed services through the obtained CALIBRAFRUTA project experience and reinforced with the scientific knowledge from UALg.