Food processing is the transformation of agricultural products into food, or of one form

of food into other forms. Food processing includes many forms of processing foods, from
grinding grain to make raw flour to home cooking to complex industrial methods used to
make convenience foods.

Food processing dates back to the prehistoric ages when crude processing incorporated
fermenting, sun drying, preserving with salt, and various types of cooking (such as roasting,
smoking, steaming, and oven baking), Such basic food processing involved chemical enzymatic
changes to the basic structure of food in its natural form, as well served to build a barrier
against surface microbial activity that caused rapid decay. Salt-preservation was especially
common for foods that constituted warrior and sailors' diets until the introduction of canning
methods. These tried and tested processing techniques remained essentially the same until the
advent of the industrial revolution.

Need of Computers

The old and conventional methods of food processing are time consuming and utilize
more money. It also takes a lot of labor and human efforts just for some quantity of food. The
world’s population is increasing rapidly and continuously. It increases demand for more safe
and nutritious food with huge availability.

Although, technology has made a big change in food processing and preservation but,
now we have to move towards innovation. We need new ideas that can process food even
faster. That’s why computers made its place in food industry. The automated and mechanized
units and processors ensure ample and nutritious food within lesser time.

When it comes to food, tech isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However,
computers over the years has changed how we produce and find our food through applications,
robotics, data and processing techniques. The use of machines in the food industry also ensures
quality and affordability. By using machines, it drives down the costs of keeping the food fresh
and increases productivity.
Processing Control Systems

Rapid advances in computer technology and heightened expectations of consumers and

regulatory agencies for improved food quality and safety have forced the food industry to
consider automation of most manufacturing processes. Nonetheless, the food industry now
ranks among the fastest growing segments for plant automation. For example, the food
industry is among the top ten in using machine vision technology, a key component in plant
automation. There are some more systems used in food science and processing.

1. Expert System: Expert system is a computer program that contains expert knowledge
about a particular problem domain, often in the form of if – then rules that is able to
solve the problems at a level equivalent to or greater than human expert. Expert
systems have recently attracted the attention of food technologists for application in a
variety of information development and transfer situations. These computer software
systems are designed to simulate one or more of the ways that a human expert uses his
or her knowledge and experience in making a diagnosis or a recommendation. The main
advantages of expert systems for plant production are:
i. Facilitation of implementation of the planning process,
ii. Economic evaluation of plans,
iii. Determination and monitoring of direct costs,
iv. Work only with the accepted strains,
v. Possibility to use only the registered chemical protective products,
vi. Suggestion of the technological process of food processing,
2. Single-loop system: In recent years digital electronic controllers have replaced the
relays and sensing switches of mechanical/analog-electrical control systems used in
food processing. Digital control systems may range from the single-loop controller to
complex high-end computer systems.
A single loop controller would be responsible for controlling one function, such
as temperature in a steam kettle. The controller loop would be programmed to control
the kettle temperature within set temperature parameters. The loop would consist of
 the microprocessor controller, a temperature sensor, an actuator for the steam valve
and a digital/analogue signal converter.
3. Fixed Set point system: This is the desired value of a software function variable that
cannot be changed by the operator during execution. Determine major fixed set-points,
such as desired time/temperature curve, desired pH, etc. Time may also be used as a set
point to stop the computer controlled process to allow the operator to interact with the
system.

Variable Set point system: This is the desired value of a software function variable that may
change from run to run and must usually be entered by the operator. For example entering the
initial temperature of LACF thermal processor for each retort load.

Application in Food processing plant

The use of computers in the food industry also ensures quality and affordability. By
using machines, it drives down the costs of keeping the food fresh and increases productivity.
According to the report, “The rise of robotics in the food industry is a tangible example of food
tech. Robotic machines can help to eliminate safety issues for the more dangerous jobs in the
food industry. Computer systems help manage the entire food service process from ordering
the materials needed to produce the menu items, to predict the amount of things to prepare
for each dining period based on historical patterns.

Material Handling

Implementing automated material handling system improve the productivity and

profitability of company. Despite these advantages, implementing such a system implies
investments thus the increase of the product’s cost .

Thus, it is imperative to understand the many aspects related to such a system before
purchase one. In the literature there are some principles that should be followed before
choosing a material handling system but there are few software designed for material handling.
For example Fishbowl and Odoo are fully integrated, automated and customizable software for
these purposes.

Quality check

Today, it is possible to inspect the quality of a wide range of food products with a
computer vision system. Both software and hardware parts of the system should be customized
to the specific needs of a food company, including inspection goals and the type of product to
analyze.

For example, feature extraction and segmentation algorithms will vary significantly
depending on the shape, color and texture of an analyzed object, as well as the surrounding
scene (the conveyor belt, a crate) and illumination condition.

Measuring, counting and sorting

Market analysis shows that all other things being equal, customers prefer apples with a
maximum diameter between 75 and 80 mm. However, people would have a hard time trying to
accurately evaluate a fruit’s size with the naked eye, while a computer vision system can
measure a precise diameter of an apple in a blink of an eye, literally. Automated counting and
sorting system based on image analysis can grade fruits, vegetables, nuts, oysters, etc.
according to their shape, size and maturity.

Robotisation

The rise of robotics in the food industry is a tangible example of food tech. The number
of robots in the European food industry is well over 30,000, while the number of robots per
10,000 employees rose from 62 in 2013 to 84 in 2017. Although Germany is the largest market,
robot density is relatively highest in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy Using robots
makes the production process more stable (higher production volume, improved food safety)
and less labor-intensive(lower personnel cost)
Example: Robots are increasingly used to cut, move, package and palletize products.

Packaging and Waste

One of the biggest concerns for consumers right now is having healthy and sustainable
goods. Consumers pay attention to labels and harmful ingredients, especially with social media,
there is not much that companies can get away with anymore. Many companies use technology
to help them “go green.” By using robotics and digitizing, companies in the food industry are
able to find alternatives to plastics and other harmful packaging to the environment. There are
many different ways we are using technology in packaging now from edible packaging, micro
packaging and even bacteria fighting packaging.

Consumers are also looking for where companies are sourcing their products and how
they are handling their waste. Currently, 40% of America’s food is thrown away each year. With
the help of technology, there are strides being taken to reduce that number and utilize the
extra food.

With all these advancements in technology, there are so many different ways that it can really
change how we produce food. Evolving technology could be the key to eliminating world
hunger and solving our waste problem we will just have to wait and see.

3D Printed Food

The idea of 3D printed food isn't exactly mouth-watering, but the technology stands to
disrupt the food industry on at least some level. Right now, the most talked-about 3D printed
food is 3D Systems' candy, which is made of pure sugar with the Chef Jet, but the leader in the
3D printer industry recently teamed up with Hershey's to print chocolate. Startups like Modern
Meadow are trying to save cows and help reduce carbon emissions by creating meatless meat.
NASA used a 3D printer to make a pizza, possibly a step forward for astronaut meals in
space. The Foodini is a 3D printer designed for the home kitchen. The user prepares the
ingredients with a food processor or blender, and the 3D printer can print shapes out of the
mix. It's meant to take out the time-consuming process of making things by hand. The Foodini
has created food items such as burgers, pizza, and desserts.
 Smart Food
processing

Product Quality inspection