Compac has won the 2020 NZ Hi-Tech Award for most innovative agri-tech solution, receiving recognition for its UltraView inspection module.
Part of the Tomra Group, Compac launched UltraView in late 2019 to maximise the performance of its Spectrim fresh fruit and vegetable grading platform.
The UltraView module contains a dedicated set of high-resolution multi-spectral (colour and infrared) cameras and LED lights, which are located close to the fruit, parallel to its direction of travel.
In this unique position, the UltraView cameras generate images for accurate inspection of the fruit’s stem bowl and tip regions, areas where defects would otherwise be difficult or impossible to detect.
Nigel Beach, vice president and head of research and development of Compac, said the company was thrilled to be recognised.
“It is exhilarating to see Compac recognised on a platform as prestigious as the Hi-Tech Awards. Innovation is in our DNA and I am excited to be part of a team that continues to help shape the future of the agri-tech industry both in New Zealand and on the world stage,” Beach said.
“Congratulations to everyone who worked on the UltraView project – this award is recognition of your hard work and dedication and you should be very proud of what you have achieved.”
The award was presented at a virtual event on the evening of 21 August due to Covid-19. The NZ Hi-Tech Awards' 70 judges said the calibre of this year’s entries was at an all-time high.
