Non-destructive testing of small fruits using vibrations

AGROSTA is currently working on the effect of low frequency vibrations in firmness measurement. A piezo system and a high sensitivity microphone have been placed under and on the other side of the sample, respectively. Then, the fruit has been pressed according to a calibrated force (using a calibrated weight). The company has obtained very encouraging results on blueberry and cherry tomato. The piezo disc vibrates the fruit while on the other side, a high precision microphone measures the sound intensity. Today, Agrosta has designed and mounted a stand in order to apply the microphone according to a constant pressure (approx 300 grams) - This display is non-destructive except on very mature fruits.