Next-Generation Food Manufacturing: AI as a Catalyst for Productivity and Quality Enhancement

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied in the industries of food manufacturing is revolutionizing the food manufacturing businesses at the levels of productivities, quality control, and operations of the industries. In this review, we discuss adopting AI technologies (such as machine learning, computer vision and predictive Analytics) throughout the various levels of food production which begins with the product formulation, raw material inspection, processing, packaging and distribution. Using AI, real-time monitoring is now a possibility, and the accuracy and human error have been minimized, so the safety level and consistency of the food product have improved a lot. It also plays an important role in predictive maintenance, the optimizing of the supply chain and energy management that assists manufacturers to reduce the downtimes, the expenditures and the wastes. With the active participation of the case studies of the enterprise leaders and startups, the examples of the AI successful application in real life is revealed in this article. Despite all its great benefits, a number of challenges such as the large implementation cost, the quality of data, as well as staffing changes still remain. However, when active innovation and strategic approach combine their efforts, AI has a massive potential to transform the face of food manufacturing process like never before, making it smarter, more environmentally-friendly, and audience-centered than ever.