The world has a food-waste problem. Can this wireless tech help fix it?

Posted under: Smart Technologies
Date: 2023-10-05
The world has a food-waste problem. Can this wireless tech help fix it?

Researchers from Princeton University and Microsoft Research have developed a novel way to assess the quality and ripeness of fruits using high-frequency wireless technology. This technology allows for precise sorting of fruits based on ripeness, potentially reducing food waste in distribution. Current methods for determining ripeness are often unreliable, time-consuming, or costly. The new system utilizes advanced wireless signals in the sub-terahertz band to scan fruit on a conveyor belt, providing detailed information about sugar and dry matter content beneath the fruit's surface. Food waste is a significant problem globally, with roughly one-third of food produced in the U.S. and half of all fruits and vegetables worldwide going to waste. This inefficiency not only impacts food security but also contributes to environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions. This noninvasive and scalable technology could play a crucial role in reducing food waste.