Bühler launches SORTEX AI700, AI-powered optical sorter to transform oat processing
The SORTEX AI700 brings a new level of precision, food safety, and operational efficiency to the grain processing sector
SWITZERLAND – Bühler Group has unveiled the SORTEX AI700, an advanced optical sorting solution designed to transform oat processing through the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Engineered to deliver unmatched accuracy in the detection and removal of contaminants, the SORTEX AI700 brings a new level of precision, food safety, and operational efficiency to the grain processing sector. The machine is capable of improving reject concentration by 5–10%, translating into higher yields and significantly more profit for processors.
At the core of the SORTEX AI700 is a deep learning framework built on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), enabling the machine to process millions of data points derived from high-resolution product imagery.
This technology allows for precise differentiation based on color, shape, and texture, effectively replicating the cognitive recognition capabilities of the human eye and brain.
According to Melvyn Penna, a seasoned expert with 35 years at Bühler SORTEX, this machine represents a significant departure from traditional sorting technologies.
“This is the most sophisticated optical sorting solution we’ve ever developed .SORTEX AI700 doesn’t just meet existing standards—it sets new ones. With improved defect removal and less rejection of good product, processors can take more high-quality output to market while reducing waste,” Penna said.
In addition to its advanced sorting capabilities, the SORTEX AI700 is engineered for seamless integration into existing processing lines. Its intuitive user interface, real-time system monitoring, and energy-efficient design offer a highly functional and sustainable solution.
These features collectively support Bühler’s broader strategy of advancing digitalization and sustainability in food production, helping processors adapt to a rapidly evolving regulatory and market environment.
The launch of the AI700 comes at a pivotal time. Global demand for high-quality oat products is rising sharply, fueled by growing consumer interest in plant-based and gluten-free diets. At the same time, processors are grappling with challenges like the rising cost of raw materials, increasing defect prevalence due to climate change, and more rigorous food safety regulations.
In tandem with the growing consumer needs, recently, Bühler unveiled OptiBake, the world’s first inductively heated wafer oven, which represents a significant advancement in industrial baking.
This innovative solution, suitable for both flat and hollow wafers, sets a new benchmark for the global wafer industry, helping customers achieve operational excellence and sustainability in their production processes.
“With OptiBake, we aimed to provide more than just a new wafer oven. We challenged ourselves to combine exceptional wafer quality with unparalleled flexibility, allowing our customers to contribute to sustainability,” said Sandra Lutz, Head of Business Unit Wafer at Bühler Group.
OptiBake offers numerous unique advantages that distinguish it from conventional gas-fired and electric wafer ovens.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
