The product developed by academics from Abdullah Gül University (AGU) in Turkey using artificial intelligence and internet of things technologies extends the storage period of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

With the R&D supports of TÜBİTAK, General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development and Support Administration, AGÜ Computer Engineering Department Head Prof. Dr. Çağrı Güngör, electrical and electronics engineer Dr. The smart agriculture initiative called FreshSens, founded by Cem Ayyıldız and businessman Baran Baykurt Emiroğlu with an investment of 1.7 million liras, has invented a product that increases the storage time of fruits, vegetables and flowers in cold weather by at least 2 times.

The initiative, which received investment support from the international Startup Wise Guys investment fund in Europe in 2023 with its outstanding work, will prevent food and flowers from going to waste.

Prof. Dr. Güngör stated that they have developed a product that increases the storage time of fruits, vegetables and flowers in cold weather by at least 2 times by using the internet of things (smart devices communicating with each other over the internet) and artificial intelligence technologies.

Prof. Dr. Güngör stated that the products brought to cold storage after harvest are placed in special boxes they developed. Explaining that the oxygen and carbon dioxide rates can be adjusted in the box with lids with selective gas permeability, Güngör explained that in this way, the fresh storage time of the products is extended.

Durability of cherries increased from 10 days to 44 days

Stating that they conducted experiments on various agricultural products, Güngör said that, for example, cherries can be stored for 10 days under normal conditions, but with the product they developed, this period increased up to 44 days.

Güngör stated that they achieved similar results in asparagus, pomegranate, fig and other agricultural products, and that this technology was used in different cold storages in Antalya, Isparta and Karaman.

Prof. Dr. Güngör said:

“We ensure that agricultural products sleep in specially designed boxes to prevent agricultural products from spoiling. Because fruits and vegetables continue to respire after harvest. If you can reduce their metabolic rate, then you can further increase the storage time of fruits and vegetables. In fact, what we have achieved is the atmospheric pressure inside the box.” “To extend the storage time of fruits and vegetables by adjusting the conditions. We can estimate how long this period can be with the data we receive from the wireless sensor we developed.”

Storage boxes set to 200 kilograms

Güngör said that the storage boxes have a volume of approximately 600 liters and fit an average of 200 kilograms of products.

Stating that they want to benefit the country with the technological product they have developed, Güngör said, “Our aim is to increase the storage time of 40 different products in fruits and vegetables by 2030, and to support our exports by developing a local and national product from Turkey.” said.

Prof. Dr. Güngör noted that his products, which extend the storage time of products in cold storages, reduce energy consumption and also reduce carbon emissions, are also used in France, Pakistan and Jordan.

Author: Engload