In the modern food industry, maintaining high product standards is essential not only to meet regulations but also to satisfy increasingly demanding consumers. At SENSURE, we design and deliver intelligent vision inspection systems that enable manufacturers to monitor every aspect of their production in real time, with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
By integrating directly in-line multiple imaging technologies — ranging from standard 2D vision to hyperspectral and thermal systems — we help our customers detect defects early, reduce waste, improve quality, and ensure food safety across the entire process.
2D imaging is the cornerstone of visual inspection in food processing. SENSURE solutions combine matrix (area scan) and line scan cameras to capture precise, high-resolution images of products as they move along the line. These technologies are used to assess shape, size, and color of products, even at very high line speeds.
Matrix cameras acquire rectangular images (frames), capturing the entire scene in a single shot. They are used in a wide range of applications requiring complete object acquisition and are particularly versatile. This technology is especially suitable for small products, when a full image of the object is needed without reconstructing the scene line by line. Matrix cameras also provide a more cost-effective and less complex setup: they do not require conveyor synchronization and impose fewer constraints on line speed. They are therefore ideal in applications where extremely high resolution (typically 0.3–0.40 mm/pixel) or continuous scanning is not required.
Line scan cameras, on the other hand, acquire images composed of a sequence of lines, building the final image as the product moves along the conveyor. They provide very high spatial resolution (down to 0.2–0.25 mm/pixel) and deliver several specific advantages:
For products with complex geometries — such as sandwich biscuits, buns, croissants, cakes, filled pastries — 2D imaging is not enough. SENSURE 3D vision inspection systems provide full surface profiling with depth and volume analysis, even at high production speeds.
The technology used, especially when direct analysis on production lines is required, is laser profilometry, which provides ultra-precise Z-axis data (up to 0.15 mm/pixel).
A laser line projects a profile onto the object moving on the conveyor, while a camera positioned at a known angle observes the line deformation. By integrating sequences of profiles during movement, the complete 3D reconstruction of the object is obtained. Key advantages include precision, robustness against environmental conditions, and adaptability to typical food surfaces products.
Thermal imaging adds a critical layer to food inspection by providing non-contact temperature profiling. The thermal cameras used operate between –20°C and +100°C, offering resolutions from 1 to 5 mm/pixel.
They enable manufacturers to:
Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a fast, reliable method to monitor moisture, fat, sugar, and protein content in food — without contact or product handling.
Operating in the 750–2500 nm range, NIR detects specific absorption patterns of water and other ingredients. SENSURE systems enable:
In this way, NIR goes beyond laboratory analysis and becomes a process analytical technology, directly integrated into production lines to guarantee consistent and high-quality standards.
Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging allows us to see what traditional cameras cannot. By analyzing the spectral signature of materials beyond the visible range (typically 900–1700 nm, extendable to 2500 nm), the technology can distinguish substances based on how they absorb or reflect light.
Key applications include:
Combined with AI algorithms, SWIR enables real-time contamination detection even when materials visually blend with the product — without interrupting the production flow.
This technology is also gaining traction in moisture monitoring applications. Compared to NIR systems, SWIR creates a pixel-level moisture map, enabling 100% inspection of production. By contrast, NIR provides limited spatial coverage (no imaging), making it more suitable for basic control and spot checks.
At SENSURE, we believe that vision technology is more than just inspection — it’s a strategic tool for digital transformation. By combining hardware expertise with AI-based software, we enable smarter decisions, more efficient production, and higher product standards.