“The next generation in shallot grading stems from the collective pool of knowledge and experience. This has been built over many years in collaboration with onion growers and packers around the world. Today we have accumulated a large amount of data on various defects and challenges in sorting onions We use this intelligence to develop our deep learning solutions. The next generation of onion sorters is called TrueAI,” said Levi Bakker of Ellips.

How did this collective intelligence emerge?
Over the past fifteen years, Ellips has worked with shallot customers around the world, including the UK, North America, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Together we have revolutionized shallot grading, grading and packaging. This innovative shallot company delivers excellent results using both external and internal sorting technology.”

New deep learning software: TrueAI
When asked about the key factors behind the success of this joint, Levi mentioned the introduction of accurate sorting based on in-house quality, graders that can withstand the harsh conditions involved in packing shallots and unrivaled throughput (tonnes/lanes). “Innovations cannot be stopped; they pave the way to take your business to the next level. Therefore, continuous product innovation and improvement is the key to our customers’ success. The new TrueAI deep learning software has significantly improved sorting performance. These improvements were implemented in January at TOP Onions in the Netherlands. The results were amazing. And the good news is spreading fast. We are currently deploying TrueAI with new customers and updating existing customer systems.”

The impact of new innovations
“Packers can ensure near-perfect sorting accuracy through the detection of complex onion defects. With TrueAI, sorting performance moves towards 100% detection accuracy, enabling sorting tasks to be carried out with minimal staff. Sorters are confident that each onion will reach its destination this way they can achieve maximum efficiency and consistent quality desired by customers. Operator tasks become less complex and more automated.”

“Upgrading to TrueAI is a huge step forward. With TrueAI, we can greatly reduce follow-up checks,” said co-owner Bennie Murre of TOP Onions.

Key benefits of TrueAI according to Ellips

1. The power of AI in detecting complex defects
“Every onion is different, and so is every flaw. Internal and external defects come in many ways. This makes it difficult for existing sorting technologies to model and calculate all of these combinations. The good news is that with TrueAI you can work around complex defects and defects. The sorter can now detects difficult defects such as fusarium, malformations and root cracks and locates them to a very high degree of accuracy with minimal margins of error.

2. Sorting technology is getting smarter every day
With TrueAI, algorithms are developed using large amounts of data collected around the world. By continuing to include additional data on defects, TrueAI is continuously enriched with data. This data is collected from our large global customer base during different growing seasons and conditions. Everyone can benefit from this collective intelligence.

3. Can we make life easier for sorters?
As sorting performance moves towards 100% detection accuracy, sorting tasks can be performed with minimum staff. Many sort parameters, previously defined by the operator, can now be defined by the system. The TrueAI algorithm works out-of-the-box so you can apply it right away without any changes. Operators still play an important role. He has expertise on the dynamic quality standards demanded by specific customers and markets. You want the best of both worlds. Operators knowledgeable about shallot quality characteristics and sorting technology to meet the unique needs of your customers.

TrueAI on all global customer systems
“Deep learning capabilities help sort onions more accurately and consistently. This results in more efficiency, less waste and higher profits,” said Levi. “As previously mentioned, TOP Onions in the Netherlands have taken advantage of this new capability. We are currently implementing TrueAI on all new customer systems installed around the world. This includes Rio Fresh and G&R Farms in the US. We will also be upgrading existing customer systems in 2023 and beyond.”

For more information:
Levi Baker
Ellipse
Especially 300
5633 AE Eindhoven
levi.bakker@ellips.com
www.ellipse.com