Dubai grocery stores have introduced a new fruit ripeness scanner that allows consumers to assess avocados before purchase. The device, demonstrated in a recent viral video, scans the fruit and provides an instant assessment of its condition.
The scanner uses sensors to measure firmness and sugar levels without cutting the fruit open. Results are displayed through a colour code, with green indicating unripe, yellow showing optimal ripeness, and red marking overripeness, suggesting immediate use or avoidance. In addition to ripeness, the system suggests potential culinary uses, such as smoothies, salads, or baking, depending on the fruit's state.
In the video demonstration, one avocado was labelled ripe and firm, recommended for salads, while another was shown as firm but unripe, expected to ripen within a few days. The technology is intended to reduce waste and improve consumer confidence in fruit selection.
This is not the first example of new food-related technology in the United Arab Emirates. Researchers at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have developed a strawberry-picking robot that applies artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer vision to harvest ripe strawberries. The robot is designed to assist growers with labour shortages during harvest and to improve efficiency in production systems.
Source: Madhyamam
