P&P Optica (PPO) and Fulcrum Global Capital (FGC) have announced their partnership to accelerate the deployment of the PPO Smart Imaging System in the food processing industry. PPO’s patented technology addresses problems associated with food waste through the use of chemical imaging and machine-learning to detect foreign object contamination.  The system helps ensure enhanced food safety by allowing food processors to find unwanted objects such as plastics, rubber, metal and paper in-line, at line speeds. The $3.1 million funding round will advance system development and deployment.

For a feature on how this technology is revolutionizing the spinach line at Ippolito Produce, go to the December 2017 feature in The Grower:  https://bit.ly/2JHtIWh

PPO’s hyperspectral imaging solution can actually see the chemistry of food as it moves along the processing line. This allows the Smart Imaging System to see information about food that has never been available to processors before. It represents a ground breaking, and complete solution to detect, identify, and remove many types of foreign objects, right from the production line. The proprietary system also uses artificial intelligence to provide insights about shelf life, product composition, flavour, fat content, quality variation and much more.

“For food producers there is simply nothing more important than ensuring the safety and quality of the product their customers eat. That is why PPO has worked diligently on this technology which we are excited to bring to the market,” said Olga Pawluczyk, CEO of P&P Optica. "It is a pleasure to be working with Fulcrum to expedite the vision we share and address this costly problem faced by the food industry worldwide.”

Source:  P & P Optica June 12, 2018 news release