A state-of-the-art machine that can detect rotten oranges and those unfit for export has been invented by scientists at Spain's Valencia Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA), website Agenciasinc.es reported.

The device uses light detectors to sort citrus fruit according to size, color and type of skin damage present.

IVA investigator José Blasco explained it can be programed to 'understand' the image in front of it and act accordingly.

"We have developed, in collaboration with industry, the software and hardware needed to locate citrus and discard those unfit for sale," Blasco was quoted as saying.

The machine can also separate first-class from perfectly edible fruit but with some small defects, such as bumps or scratches, in less than 20 seconds.

Researchers have also developed a prototype which provides automated inspection of tangerine segments testing up to 28 slices per second.

"These prototypes have increased image resolution and can scan objects in the electromagnetic spectrum which the human eye cannot do," he was quoted as saying.

In the past, rot was detected manually in dark rooms with ultraviolet light picking up the oils of damaged peel.

The inventions have been patented with results published in Food and Bioprocess Technology magazine.

Photo: Information and Scientific News Service (SINC)

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