Non-destructive quality and maturity assessment of apples

The Rubens Device

A pilot study has commenced on behalf of Rubens Technologies in southwest WA to test a non-destructive device for assessing apples pre-harvest.

Our colleagues Susie and Jen are using the Rubens machine to test Bravo and Pink Lady apple samples. Their objective is to assist Daniel Pelliccia from Rubens Technologies in validating the maturity data for these apple varieties. By doing so, machine learning algorithms can be implemented to test the apples without destroying them.

Another tool in the box for improved quality measurement techniques. The technology is based on a hand-held device and machine learning models. The device combines a spectrometer and dedicated light sources to collect the reflectance and fluorescence of fruit over a large spectral range in the visible and near-infrared. It can be used in the field to collect data without picking the fruit. Once trained with calibration samples, the machine learning models will predict the quality parameters of the fruit in real-time.

If you are interested in having a demonstration of the Rubens machine and a maturity sample done for your Pink Lady apples in the next few weeks, don't hesitate to contact Susie to arrange a suitable time. We are currently seeking more Pink Lady apples to sample.