Replacing hours of manual labour with an AI bot to check produce number and quality
The Challenge:
HelloFresh relied on a time-consuming and expensive manual process for counting and inspecting large quantities of incoming produce from local farms. Pricing depended on the number of items received, making accurate manual counting crucial but error-prone.
The Solution:
Data Warehouse Creation: We built a comprehensive database containing information on various produce types. This data serves as the foundation for the AI’s object recognition capabilities.
Quality Sample Collection: High-quality examples of each produce type were collected to train the AI system to identify defects and differentiate between good and bad quality items.
Data Ensemble Learning: We employed a data ensemble learning approach, utilizing various data sources like videos, photos, documents, and PDFs. This enriches the training data and improves the AI’s accuracy.
Multi-Sensor Integration: Cameras and laser sensors were incorporated to detect produce through image recognition and laser triangulation. This allows the AI to analyze items from different angles for a complete quality assessment.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Speed Sensors: These sensors provide information about the speed of conveyor belts carrying produce, enabling the AI to adjust its processing speed for efficient analysis.
The Impact:
This project transformed HelloFresh’s operations, delivering significant benefits:
Drastically Reduced
Counting Costs:
By eliminating manual counting, HelloFresh achieved a dramatic reduction in labor expenses associated with the process.
Increased
Revenue:
Users are spending more time exploring the website, captivated by the rich content.
Enhanced
Efficiency:
The AI system completes tasks in seconds compared to the hours required for manual processing, vastly improving operational efficiency.
Improved
Accuracy:
The AI eliminates human error in counting and quality control, ensuring consistent product quality and reducing potential product waste.
Profit Margin
Optimization:
Reduced labor costs and improved efficiency directly contribute to higher profit margins for HelloFresh.
Conclusion
Overall, this case study exemplifies the transformative power of AI in streamlining business processes. HelloFresh’s success story showcases how AI can significantly reduce costs, boost revenue, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.