How Artificial Intelligence Contributes to Sustainable and Profitable Food Processing

As the global population grows and living standards rise, food manufacturers face increasing pressure to boost productivity while minimizing waste. At the same time, they must meet strict safety standards and comply with regulations and customer expectations. Technologies like foreign object detectors are essential in achieving these goals.

However, conventional metal detection methods often struggle with certain food products due to “product effect.” This phenomenon—caused by characteristics such as moisture, salt, fat content, temperature, and packaging—leads food items to exhibit electrical conductivity that interferes with metal detection. As a result, metal detectors may trigger false rejects or miss actual contaminants, leading to product loss, increased waste, or even costly recalls.

In response, Sesotec developed THiNK, a cutting-edge metal detection system enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI). THiNK virtually eliminates product effect interference, even in challenging products like those packaged in metallized films.

What is Artificial Intelligence?
AI aims to replicate human-like thinking and learning in machines. Through algorithms and data analysis, AI systems can independently identify patterns, make decisions, and improve over time. Machine learning, a subset of AI, allows systems to learn from real-world data and optimize performance.

AI vs. Conventional Metal Detection
Traditional detectors use multiple frequencies to scan food products and generate a “digital fingerprint.” However, this approach often struggles with fluctuating product effect. AI, on the other hand, continuously learns from new data, adapting to changes in product characteristics and enhancing detection precision.

Key advantages of AI in metal detection include:

• Improved accuracy → Enhanced food safety
• Reduced false rejects → Less waste and higher productivity
• Reliable inspection of metallized packaging → Expanded application range
• Cost-effectiveness → Affordable alternative to X-ray systems
   

The THiNK Technology Journey
Sesotec developed THiNK after analyzing common industry challenges:

• How to reduce false rejects caused by product effect?
• How to boost detection sensitivity despite interference?

Partnering with researchers, Sesotec applied AI to create a smarter detection system. THiNK provides:

• A digitalized understanding of product effect
• Ongoing performance improvements via machine learning
• Long-term stability and sensitivity through constant data input

Smarter, Safer, More Sustainable
THiNK AI empowers food processors to meet future demands with confidence. It helps make food production safer, more efficient, and more sustainable—supporting manufacturers in protecting both their reputation and their bottom line.

Connect with Sesotec India
Whether you're looking to optimize your food processing operations or explore the advantages of AI-powered detection, Sesotec India is here to help.

Visit Sesotec India Pvt. Ltd. at Anuga FoodTec India 2025
Hall 2, Booth - C24
Website: www.sesotec.com