Frutect
Overview
The 'Challenge Based Innovation for Artificial Intelligence' program, organized by CERN in Geneve, addresses specific human needs and societal challenges with the aim of proposing solutions related to the application of Artificial Intelligence connected to ATTRACT related technologies. Approximately 30 students from IED, UPC and ESADE worked in multidisciplinary teams of 5/6 people following an iterative and experimental innovation process closely linked to human-centered and design thinking methodologies.
The projects were developed through workshops, coaching sessions, intensive sprints and independent team-working across 16 sessions.
At the end of the program, my team presented Frutect, a smart cooling system management device designed for storage facilities.
My contribution
User Research Graphic Design 3D Visualization Product prototype
The team
Aniol Bisquert Nitya Santhoshi Santiago Ascue Shivani Agarwal Souraya Shoukry
Year
2023
Process
Stakeholders
The aim of Frutect is to tackle the issue of significant financial losses faced by Egyptian exporters and supply chain transporters, amounting to a total of 1 billion dollars each year, due to the rejection or devaluation of fruits and vegetables in international markets.
From our research and interviews to egyptians orange exporting business owners we discovered this problem primarily arises from product overheating during the early stages of the supply chain. Factors such as improper labor handling, transportation under direct sunlight, and inadequate storage facilities contribute to spoilage or overheating before the products can be exported.
Probelm statement
How can we reduce food waste due to overheating of fruits inside storage facilities?
The solution
To address this challenge, we developed a region-based cooling system.
Our device incorporates temperature, humidity, and ethylene sensors, which are placed inside the orange boxes, one in each corner of the facility. When an anomaly in temperature is detected by the sensors, a signal is sent to the central management system. This system then activates the closest ventilators to redirect refrigeration to the specific region of the facility affected by the anomaly. Once the sensors detect that the temperature has returned to normal levels, the ventilators automatically turn off.
To predict the spoilage of oranges and enable smart ventilator control, we utilize an AI model that utilizes data collected by the sensors in real-time. This model generates a spoilage profile and aids in controlling the ventilators accordingly.
The device
The device itself is a 3D printed shield, designed to match the dimensions of an orange, making it suitable for orange storage and transportation. Inside the shield, we have integrated a DHT11 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor, a Bluetooth antenna, a battery as an energy source, and an ULTRARAM.
ULTRARAM is a patented technology from the CERN Attract program, combining the qualities of both RAM and ROM memories to achieve low power consumption and efficient operation, even without a reliable power source.
Outcome
Prototype
In order to test our solution, we have developed a prototype of the device, using a 3D printed shield, a temperature sensor, and an Arduino board. The prototype is programmed to activate a small fan when the sensors detect a temperature exceeding 28 degrees Celsius.
Next steps
To ensure the prototype functions effectively in practical situations, the following phase would involve testing various materials for the device shield, to identify the most suitable material that enables the sensors to operate accurately. Once the device's functionality is confirmed, the project can be scaled to accommodate diverse varieties of exported fruits and vegetables, each with distinct shapes and dimensions.