Italian post-harvest produce solutions company Sorma Group says it will participate in international trade fair Macfrut. The fair, is dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sector, and is set to take place May 6-8 in Rimini, Italy.
Sorma Group said it will present its technologies designed to cover the entire post-harvest process from reception through palletization for apples and citrus. Among these will be Aporo, the multi-head robotic system developed for automated packaging. This system can place up to eight pieces of fruit simultaneously into pockets ensuring they are oriented in the same direction with the best, most intensely-colored side visible.
The machine ensures precise and gentle handling of the product, according to the company. This significantly reduces labor costs. Due to its versatile structure, it is compatible of a wide variety of fruit including apples, peaches, nectarines, plums and kiwis. Additionally, Aporo is capable of direct packaging fruit into cartons with pre-inserted pockets.
Also on display will be Hypervision, an advanced optical sorting platform, said the company. Hypervision is a system of nine cameras per line with 360° hyperspectral image capturing technology. This technology offers fruit classification, processing up to 15 fruits per second per line.
The latest version of Hypervision includes InstanDefect-AI software enhanced with deep learning algorithms for more precise detection of ripeness and defects. Sorma Group said that, due to its Linux-based software platform, the optical sorter offers operational independence, advanced cybersecurity and a fully scalable system.
“Sorma Group is also committed to developing an integrated process for the complete processing of apples, from tipping to palletization,” Alberto Agostini, area manager at Sorma, said in a news release. “This project aims to offer a ‘turnkey’ line made possible thanks to the efforts of our subsidiary SORMAF in France, which is actively driving innovation in the sector.”
Sorma’s focus will be placed on the world of citrus with this two-machine combination the WD4-S Weigher and CBR-170S Packager. The WD4-S Weigher, can supply up to four packers with high precision at high speeds while handling variable calibers making it work for all citruses. Depending on the requirements, Sorma Group offers 10 different models divided between dynamic cup systems and static vibrating channels.
Alongside it, the CBR-170S (Speed) Packager features several upgrades, including a new band-centering system with both UV and black-notch sensors, an updated suction cup and bellows system for optimizing the bag creation and filling process, as well as new sealers that improve the package seal hold.
The company said it can be found in Hall D.1, stand No. 147.
