Here's How AI Blends Well with Foodservice Sector

One firm has developed an AI approach that uses records and precisely identifies consumer needs at each facility.

Food and Beverages Tech Review | Saturday, December 26, 2020

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One firm has developed an AI approach that uses records and precisely identifies consumer needs at each facility.

FREMONT, CA: Technology has long changed lives and industries in a wide variety of ways, but new technologies continue to confuse and astound everyone. In recent years, high-tech technologies have increased, and businesses are struggling to adapt to them. All eyes are now on Artificial Intelligence (AI) due to its massive potential to disrupt various industries. A study predicts that AI may cross 3.9 trillion dollars globally by 2022. Its growth drivers would be customer engagement skills, sales from current and future goods and services, and cost reductions.

Here is how AI has helped the food sector so far.

Food Preparation

Today, robot chefs are food processors and equipment that need limited supervision during the cooking process. For instance, one company has invented an AI cook that can operate either on the grill or the fryer. The AI technology can recognize and track food products as well as change cooking times for optimal results. It continually learns how to do this via a cloud-based monitoring system. Moreover, it is already being deployed in a few institutions.

Supply Chain

Smart logistics can boost the food supply chain dramatically by minimizing waste. One firm has developed an AI approach that uses records and precisely identifies consumer needs at each facility. It then automates the procurement and inventory management processes accordingly. With this device in effect, the risks of goods expiring are minimized.

Other supply chain-related technologies will monitor goods from point A to point B, thereby providing consumers with transparency. Tracking is also used in food delivery systems, but supermarkets may even offer it through apps to ensure that consumers know where their food products are sourced.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance

AI machines or devices can help improve the quality and safety of food products and services and food workers' hygiene. One example is a portable food scanner, which can now detect chemical compounds in food products. The food navigator feature on the tool shows that it uses bioinformatics and AI algorithms. It can analyze molecules in food and decide whether they are safe to prepare or eat. One version of the tool can identify fish fraud, while another can test the sweetness or acidity of vegetables and fruit.

As far as personal hygiene is concerned, one Chinese company has developed a device that uses cameras and object and facial recognition features to track workers wearing protective masks and hats. If an infringement is found, the device can save a screenshot for analysis by the authorities.