Leveraging multispectral sensing to reduce food waste: ams OSRAM’s photonic innovation

Food loss and waste contribute significantly to the world’s environmental footprint, including 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By addressing inefficiencies in harvesting, post-harvest handling, and distribution, ams OSRAM can help to significantly reduce waste. Its multispectral sensing technology offers a powerful solution by identifying the optimal time for harvesting and managing food quality during storage and transportation.

The company’s multispectral sensors operate by analyzing the molecular composition of fruit through the reflectance of light at specific wavelengths. These non-invasive sensors track critical molecular changes, such as the breakdown of chlorophyll or the accumulation of carotenoids, providing an accurate and detailed picture of the ripening process.

ams OSRAM’s multispectral sensors leverage the visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectra to monitor key pigments and molecules such as chlorophyll, anthocyanins, carotenoids, water, and carbon-hydrogen bonds. As fruits ripen, these molecular components evolve, which can be precisely measured using the company’s sensors.

In a comprehensive 18-week study, researchers from ams OSRAM examined the ripening process in Gala apples, tomatoes, and bananas. Using spectroscopic data, they identified clear markers at key wavelengths that indicate the optimal harvest time and ongoing ripeness:

• Chlorophyll (670 nm): Reflectance decreases as the fruit ripens, signaling the degradation of chlorophyll.
• Anthocyanins (550 nm): These pigments, which give fruit its red and purple hues, become more pronounced as the fruit ripens.
• Carotenoids (480 nm): Responsible for yellow and orange colors, carotenoids increase toward full ripeness.
• Water and starch (970–1190 nm): These bands provide insights into internal changes like water loss and starch conversion, critical for monitoring fruit quality during storage.

By tracking these wavelengths, sensors from ams OSRAM offer outstanding accuracy in determining the ripeness of various fruits, helping producers harvest at the perfect time to maintain quality and reduce losses.

The AS7341 multispectral sensor  is at the core of these innovations. This compact, cost-effective solution captures real-time data across eight visible (VIS) channels and one near-infrared (NIR) channel, making it a versatile tool for a wide array of industries. With its advanced multispectral sensing technology, the AS7341 delivers actionable insights at every stage of the food supply chain. These include:

• Agriculture: Smart harvesting systems can determine the ideal time for picking fruit, minimizing the risk of over-ripening in the field and reducing food loss during transport.
• Processing and sorting: Automated sorting systems can categorize fruits based on internal quality rather than appearance, improving efficiency and cutting waste in processing plants.
• Retail and distribution: Supermarkets and distribution centers can monitor produce freshness in real time, ensuring that only the highest-quality products reach the shelves.
• Consumer devices: Handheld devices equipped with multispectral sensors could soon help consumers select perfectly ripe fruit, reducing household food waste.

The potential for multispectral sensing technology in the food industry is immense. With the ability to reduce waste, improve product quality, and extend shelf life, ams OSRAM’s sensor solutions offer a scalable, cost-effective tool for farmers, food processors, and retailers alike. By integrating these sensors into their operations, businesses can streamline workflows, enhance quality control, and make significant contributions to global sustainability efforts.

The multispectral sensing research presented at the Photonics Days Jena 2024 highlights the transformative power of photonics in the fight against food waste. ams OSRAM’s innovative sensor technologies are not only helping businesses operate more efficiently but also driving the future of sustainable food production. By enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making, the company is contributing to a more sustainable food system for future generations.

Our vision is clear: to harness the power of light for a smarter, more sustainable world. As the demand for efficient, eco-friendly solutions grows, ams OSRAM remains at the forefront of innovation, creating products that deliver tangible benefits across industries. Together, we can reduce food waste, improve quality, and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.