Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in the food industry, helping businesses improve product quality, reduce waste and increase operational efficiency.
A recent international review involving researchers from Flinders University found that AI-integrated sensors are being used throughout the food supply chain to monitor food quality, detect spoilage, optimise processing conditions and improve logistics.
Technologies such as hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, smart sensors and machine learning systems can provide real-time monitoring and predictive analysis, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.
The research highlighted significant benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower fuel usage, improved food safety and decreased food waste. In some applications, AI systems achieved up to 99.6% accuracy in detecting milk adulteration and 100% accuracy in edible oil authentication.
Researchers believe the adoption of AI-powered sensing technologies will continue to accelerate as food producers seek more sustainable and resource-efficient ways to manage production, storage, transport and quality control across the supply chain.
