Advancing Optical Technologies for Enhanced Quality Evaluation, Grading and Sorting of Sweetpotatoes (2022-2026, USDA-AMS-SCMP, $750,000)

This multi-state project aims to advance non-destructive optical technologies for enhanced quality evaluation, grading and sorting of sweetpotatoes. Specifically, this project will:

1. develop computer algorithms for quantification and classification of appearance quality of sweetpotatoes using machine vision technology;
2. evaluate hyperspectral and interactance imaging for detecting internal quality, including firmness, soluble solids, dry matter, and internal defects of sweetpotatoes;
3. develop and evaluate an automated sweetpotato grading and sorting machine prototype.