An optical sorting system uses optical sensors (RGB, NIR, multispectral) to detect defects, impurities, or foreign objects in food products and automatically separate them. Raytec Vision designs these machines to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality.

Raytec Vision solutions can benefit several key industries and processing applications:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Processed and packaged products (e.g., frozen foods, canned goods, snacks)
• Agricultural products such as unwashed potatoes, where it is critical to remove soil, stones, and green material

Optical sorters use light (visible, near-infrared, multispectral) to detect color, shape, and surface defects. X-ray machines detect internal or dense contaminants, such as metal, glass, bones, fish bones, or hard plastics, that cannot be identified with optical inspection alone. Raytec Vision offers both technologies to meet different food safety needs.

Some key selection criteria include:

• Improved product quality
• Reduced waste and food loss
• Increased food safety (lower contamination risk)
• Greater operational efficiency and long-term cost savings
• Compliance with hygiene and safety standards

Yes, Raytec Vision offers comprehensive technical assistance operations:

• Dedicated training for operators and technicians
• Scheduled maintenance and on-site or remote technical support to reduce downtime
• Hardware and software upgrades to improve performance and adapt to new technologies or regulations

Key developments in our technology pipeline include:

• Multispectral and hyperspectral sensors
• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning for advanced defect recognition
• IoT / Industry 4.0 integration for remote monitoring and data analysis
• Greater sustainability: reduced energy consumption, less waste, and overall process efficiency

Investment depends on the chosen technology, production capacity, and type of contaminant/defect to be removed. Raytec Vision supports customers with ROI (Return on Investment) analysis, highlighting operational savings, waste reduction, and quality benefits. Investments are often offset through reduced waste, lower manual quality control costs, and improved yield.

• Space: Requires a dedicated layout area with proper clearance access for loading/unloading, scheduled cleaning, and technical maintenance.
• Power supply: Appropriate mechanical and electrical provisions configured for power footprint parameters and grid stability.
• Environment: Temperature, humidity controls, and cleanliness conditions compliant with machinery specs.
• Data connection: Local network connection if remote monitoring analytics or Industry 4.0 data stream integration is required.

Machines are designed according to strict international quality metrics, using materials explicitly certified for safe deployment in food processing plants. Internal and external validation sequences ensure complete compliance with global regulations, supported by structured testing schedules prior to delivery container shipment.