SQU students develop AI-powered date sorting system

SQU students develop AI-powered date sorting system

A group of SQU students has developed a system that employs AI technology integrated with robotics to identify quality of dates.Muscat – A group of students from the College of Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has developed a system that employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology integrated with robotics to identify quality of dates.

The student project’s objective is to enhance food quality by leveraging AI for automated food inspection and sorting processes. It aims to increase factory production capacity, reduce time required for inspection and sorting of dates, and boost food security.

Team member Asaad bin Saeed al Hinai highlighted the importance of the date industry in Oman as a crucial source of income and trade. However, date producers encounter challenges, particularly in the sorting process, including identifying dates unsuitable for human consumption.

Hinai emphasised the role of AI in improving the sorting process in factories and described the new system’s implementation of computer vision algorithms and robotics.

The system developed by the team automates the sorting of dates using AI, distinguishing edible dates from spoiled ones by identifying the condition of dates passing through the production line. It directs fruit to the appropriate path in the production line while keeping count of