Strawberry Packaging Support System Based on Image Recognition.

Strawberry packaging requires strict weight control and precise work for each pack. Owing to the fragility of the fruit, the quality of strawberries deteriorates when handled often; the mass has to be measured with minimal human contact. Hence, packaging work tends to increase the burden on skilled workers who can estimate weight by visual inspection. Moreover, the hiring of workers is problematic. In this study, by leveraging camera images, we developed a system based on image recognition that estimates strawberry mass and ripeness. This visualized information would enable inexperienced workers to perform appropriate tasks. The system can thus determine the optimal solution for appropriate strawberry packaging, enabling informed packaging decisions.