Machinery & Equipment

Spectrim with LUCAi is very easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly interface. (Image source: TOMRA Food)

The Fresh Fruit Company of New Zealand (Freshco) recently implemented the new LUCAi upgrade package on its TOMRA Spectrim grading platform and found it to be a game-changer

This upgrade package for Spectrim includes Deep Learning models, pre-trained by vast datasets captured from TOMRA machines across the world and precisely labelled by TOMRA’s data science team. Thousands of high-resolution, multi-channel fruit images are assessed every second and cross-referenced with these datasets to make grading decisions. The technology enables the precise detection and classification of even the trickiest apple defects, such as splits and punctures across multiple varieties.

“The main defects are around the stem area. The splits are really hard to get around the stem, and you are forever working on the splits and punctures,” explained Robin Mudgway, Technology & Machinery manager at Freshco. “With LUCAi we get a model from TOMRA and then we just put our own severity and confidence into it.”

Moreover, the technology also enables operators to seamlessly switch varieties without slowing down the process, while also allowing customers to easily adjust the severity of grading parameters – something which previously had to be done by experienced operators – to cater to seasonal dynamics and market preferences. For example, a model that is making stem splits and punctures on Gala apples can also be switched to a different variety having the same defect, without making any adjustments.

“We deal with a lot of Royal Gala and Breeze apples, and they tend to have a lot of splits. LUCAi made it really easy to control that,” stated TOMRA Food senior application engineer, Glen Kaunds. “Production was not slowed down at all like it would have in the past. This means that throughput stays at a good pace within the shed.”

Spectrim with LUCAi also has a user-friendly interface, making it very easy to operate and track grades. More data, for instance, is visible on the platform with the percentage also being displayed upon making a change.

NOVACAT V 9200 CF for perfect swath placement. (Image source: Pöttinger)

Austrian agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger's revolutionary mowing technology, CROSS FLOW is now available for the NOVACAT V 9200

This mower combination, NOVACAT V 9200 CF features impressively low weight and a low power requirement. Feedback from the field was the basis for this development, following demand for a cost-effective and straightforward system for merging swaths. CROSS FLOW works without a conditioner and is characterised by its low weight compared to conventional swath merging systems. This technology ensures optimum conservation of the forage and soil, as well as the running costs, thanks to the fuel savings.

Moreover, without a conditioner, the forage is handled extremely gently. Thanks to the closed trough shape, the forage is transported directly from the sward to the swath. This prevents forage losses, minimises dirt ingress and avoids disintegration losses.

The NOVACAT V 9200 CF with CROSS FLOW auger can be used very effectively both on grassland as well as with whole plant silage.

Hydro-Mix XI provides instantaneous feedback to the control system to reach the correct moisture targets. (Image source: Hydronix)

Noodles are made from wheat flour which are then dried, shaped and packaged, for example, as instant noodles

In the beginning steps, water is present and could lead to problems such as dough clogging the machines, quality issues, or even worse, downtime for the plant. Controlling the moisture becomes vital, and the Hydro-Mix XT is installed inline in the process (an explosive atmosphere version is also available). It provides instantaneous feedback to the control system to reach the correct moisture targets. 

Benefits of measuring moisture in the noodle processing:

• Ensure the dough is the correct moisture to be worked with. Too wet and it becomes sticky; too dry and it crumbles.
• Calculate the correct amount of water to add to the flour.
• Mix the dough homogenously.
• Check dough is at a suitable moisture to be used by the rolling machine.
• Provides a final QA check that the dough sheet is at optimum moisture content.

Where do you need to measure moisture?

There are three places to install a moisture sensor:
1. In the flour hopper prior to the mixer.
2. In the mixer.
3. After the first set of rollers.

Expected Accuracy

A Hydro-Mix XT is installed in the end wall of the mixer. It is expected the accuracy will be better than:
• Hoppers ±0.5%
• Mixer ±0.2%
• After Rollers ±0.5%

Conclusion

During noodle processing, it is crucial to control the moisture in order to obtain a homogenous, high-quality dough that will not crumble or be too sticky. By adding moisture measurement in three critical areas, it is possible to cover the entire process and provide complete end-to-end moisture control.

Hydronix has a range of moisture sensors with high precision and accuracy, which can be used in the process. The Hydro-Mix XT-EX will specifically help with the installation into an explosive dust environment, whereas the Hydro-Mix XT can be used in ordinary locations.

Read the entire story: https://hubs.li/Q02CgmYZ0

New Holland aims to bring autonomous solutions across all segments it serves, particularly in the speciality crop market. (Image source: CNH)

New Holland recently announced its multi-phase partnership with leading autonomous technology company, Bluewhite to enable the collaboration on distribution, manufacturing and integration of Bluewhite's autonomous solutions for New Holland tractors, thus enabling them to operate fully autonomously in orchards and vineyards among other specialty crop operations

Formerly known as Blue White Robotics, Bluewhite brings sustainable autonomous innovation to permanent crop growers worldwide, thus driving the growth of resilient farms. Using its AI-driven autonomous farm solution, the company leverages AI, sensor fusion, advanced vehicle integration and precision implements control to help growers manage their fleets and data.

New Holland aims to bring autonomous solutions across all segments it serves, particularly in the speciality crop market. Bluewhite's unique technology and proven capabilities in orchards and vineyards helps New Holland customers address immediate challenges, such as labor shortages and rising operational costs in the specialty crop market. Through a combination of savings in inputs, labour and maintenance costs, the technology has been successful in reducing operational costs by up to 85% depending on the specific use case.

“We’re incredibly excited about collaborating with CNH and New Holland to accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in the field that not only improve productivity and profitability for growers but also promote safe and sustainable methods of producing food,” said CEO of Bluewhite, Ben Alfi. “Our long-term partnership with CNH and New Holland combining leading autonomous technology with the best tractors and harvesters in the orchards and vineyards sector is a milestone in achieving our mission of making cutting-edge innovation accessible to the agriculture sector."