The next generation of onion grading is a sum of collective knowledge and experience, says a release from Ellips. It has been built up through years of close cooperation with onion growers and packers around the world. "Over these years, we gathered tons of data about all kinds of onion defects and grading challenges. With this intelligence, we have been working on the development of our deep learning solution. The next generation of onion grading is called TrueAI", says John Albert of Ellips.
How did this collective intelligence arise?
"For the past 15 years, Ellips has partnered with cutting-edge onion customers around the world including, the UK, North America, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Together, we revolutionized grading, sorting and packing performance for onions. These innovative onion businesses delivered outstanding results using external and internal grading technology."
New deep learning software: TrueAI
When asked about the key factors for this joint success, John mentioned the introduction of accurate grading of internal defect detection, a grader built to withstand the rigors and environment associated with onion packing and delivering unmatched throughput (tons/lane). "Innovations cannot stop; they enable the evolutions required to take your business to new groundbreaking levels. As such, innovation and continual product enhancement is the key to the long-term success of our customers. The new deep learning software TrueAI significantly improved grading performance. This upgrade was rolled out at TOP onions in The Netherlands in January. The results are outstanding and this good news is spreading fast. We are currently implementing TrueAI at new clients and updating existing customers’ systems."
How TrueAI is changing the game
What are the new opportunities? "Now it is possible to deliver near-perfect grading accuracy through superior detection of complex defects and onion characteristics." This can be accomplished with TrueAI. As grading performance moves towards 100% detection accuracy, grading tasks can be done with minimal staff. Customers can be assured that each onion ends up at its rightful destination. This allows for achieving maximum returns and the consistent quality desired by customers. This software is designed to make life easier. Operator's tasks will be less complex and more automated."
“The upgrade to TrueAI has been a huge step forward. With TrueAI, we have been able to greatly reduce post-control” Benny Murre – co-owner Top The Onion Group
The most important benefits of TrueAI, according to Ellips
1. The Power of AI in detecting complex defects
Every onion is different. So is every defect. Internal and external defects occur in many ways. This makes it difficult for existing grading technology to model and calculate all these combinations. The good news is that sorters can detect complex defects and onion characteristics with TrueAI. Sorters are now able to improve detection of difficult defects like fusarium, misshapen, root tear and mechanical damage. Sorters can detect them at a very high level of accuracy with minimal false positives.
2. See your grading technology getting smarter every day
With TrueAI, the algorithms are developed by using vast amounts of data gathered from around the world. By incorporating additional defect data on an ongoing basis, TrueAI will be continually enriched with data. This data is collected from our large global customer base across different seasons and growing conditions. You can all benefit from this collective intelligence.
3. Can we make your life easier?
As grading performance moves towards 100% detection accuracy, grading tasks can be done with minimal staff. Many of the grading parameter, previously created by the operator, can now be managed by the system. The TrueAI algorithms work out-of-the-box so that you can apply them immediately without modification. The operator still has an important role to play. His/her expertise relates to the dynamic quality standards demanded by specific customers and markets. You want the best of both worlds: an operator who has knowledge of onion quality characteristics and this new grading technology to meet the customer’s unique demands.
TrueAI on all new customers’ systems - throughout the world
"Its deep learning capabilities help to grade your produce more accurately and consistently. This results in increased efficiency, reduced waste and increased profitability", says John. "As earlier mentioned, Top The Onion Group in The Netherlands took advantage of this new opportunity. We are currently deploying TrueAI on all new customers’ systems being installed throughout the world. This includes Rio Fresh and G&R Farms in the USA. We will also be upgrading our existing customers’ systems throughout 2023 and beyond."
For more information:
John Albert
Ellips
Tel: +1 (206) 915-4962
john.albert@ellips.com
www.ellips.com