Source: AMS Osram Author: AMS Osram
    Food waste has become a serious global challenge, with significant environmental and economic impacts. The latest statistics show that up to one-third of the world's food is lost or unnecessarily wasted during production, which not only leads to resource consumption, but also increases greenhouse gas emissions and brings huge economic losses.
    Shanghai, China, December 4, 2024 - AMS (SIX: AMS), a leading global provider of optical solutions, today announced that AMS has developed innovative applications based on the AS7341 multispectral sensor to address the global challenge of food waste. Its multispectral sensing solutions are revolutionizing the agriculture and food industry by accurately determining the best time to harvest, improving quality control, and reducing waste throughout the supply chain.
    At Jena Optics Day 2024, AMS OSram will present the latest results of its multispectral sensing technology and provide insight into the potential of this solution to transform food production and management. By providing accurate, real-time data on fruit ripen and quality, AMS OSram empower the agriculture and food industry to make informed, sustainable decisions that benefit both business and the environment.

    Using multispectral technology to solve the food waste problem
    The impact of food loss and waste on the global environment cannot be underestimated, accounting for 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In order to significantly reduce waste, AMS OSram focuses on improving the efficiency of harvesting, post-harvest handling and distribution. Its multi-spectral sensing technology plays a key role in this process, allowing it to accurately determine the best picking time and effectively monitor food quality during storage and transportation.
    Ams OSram's multispectral sensors analyze the molecular makeup of fruit by detecting the reflection of specific wavelengths of light. These non-invasive sensors track key molecular changes such as chlorophyll breakdown and carotenoid accumulation to accurately and meticulously map the fruit ripening process.
    Science revealed: Spectroscopic insights into fruit ripening
    Ams OSram's multi-spectral sensor uses a combination of visible light (VIS), near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectra to accurately monitor key pigments and molecules such as chlorophyll, anthocyanins, carotenoids, water molecules and carbon-hydrogen bonds. The sensor technology accurately captures and measures changes in these molecular components during fruit ripening.
    In a comprehensive 18-week study, AMS Osram researchers explored in detail the ripening process of fruits such as Fuji apples, tomatoes and bananas. By analyzing the spectral data, they were able to identify significant markers on key wavelengths that indicate the best time to pick and the continued ripening state of the fruit:
    Chlorophyll (670nm) : During fruit ripening, the reflectivity gradually decreases, indicating that chlorophyll is decomposing;
    Anthocyanins (550nm) : pigments that give the fruit its red and purple color and become more visible as the fruit rims;
    Carotenoids (480nm) : As the fruit matures, the amount of pigments that give the fruit its yellow and orange color increases;
    Water and starch (970-1190nm) : These bands reflect important changes within the fruit, such as water loss, starch conversion, etc., and are critical for monitoring fruit quality during storage.
    By monitoring these specific wavelengths, AMS OSram sensors are able to accurately determine the maturity of each type of fruit, which in turn helps producers choose the best time to pick, in order to maintain fruit quality and reduce loss.
    Practical application: From farm to table
    At the heart of these innovative applications is the AMS OSRAM AS7341 multispectral sensor. The sensor's compact, cost-effective design captures data from eight visible light (VIS) channels and one near-infrared (NIR) channel in real time, making it a useful tool across multiple industries. Its advanced multispectral sensing technology provides effective data insights into all aspects of the food supply chain, including:
    In agriculture: With the help of intelligent harvesting systems, the best time to pick fruits can be accurately determined, effectively reducing the risk of overripening in the field and reducing food loss during transportation;
    Processing and sorting: Automated sorting systems can classify fruit based on internal quality rather than appearance, improving processing efficiency and reducing waste;
    Retail and distribution: Supermarkets and distribution centers can monitor the freshness of produce in real time to ensure that products on shelves are of high quality;
   Consumer devices: Handheld devices equipped with multi-spectral sensors can help consumers quickly select high-quality ripe fruit and reduce household food waste.
   Multispectral sensing technology shows great application potential in the food industry. Sensor solutions from AMS OSram provide scalable and cost-effective tools for farmers, food processors and retailers by reducing waste, improving product quality and extending shelf life. These advanced sensor technologies, combined with business operations, not only help companies streamline workflows and strengthen quality control systems, but also make an important contribution to global sustainability.
    Looking ahead: Building a sustainable future together
   Ams Osram's multispectral sensing research presented at Jena Optics Day 2024 highlights the transformative power of photon technology in tackling food waste. Ams OSram's cutting-edge sensor technology not only enables companies to operate more efficiently, but also leads the way for the future of sustainable food production. By supporting real-time data-driven decision making, AMS OSram is contributing to sustainable food systems for future generations.
    Ams Osram's vision is clear: to harness the power of light to move the world in a smarter, more sustainable direction. With the growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, AMS OSram is always at the forefront of innovation, developing products that deliver tangible benefits to the industry and working with partners to reduce food waste, improve product quality and lay the foundation for a brighter and more sustainable future.

About Ams Osram
    AMS OSram Group (SIX: AMS) is a global leader in smart sensors and transmitters. We bring intelligence to light, inject passion into innovation, and enrich people's lives.
    With a history of more than 110 years, our imagination for the future of technology, combined with deep engineering expertise and strong global industrial capacity, has long been deeply engaged in sensing and optical technology to drive innovation. In automotive, consumer, industrial and medical health, we are committed to providing customers with competitive solutions, improving the quality of life and promoting green environmental protection in terms of health, safety and convenience.
    With approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, we are focused on innovations in sensing, light sources, and visualization that make journeys safer, medical diagnoses more accurate, and communication easier. We continue to develop breakthrough applied innovations and have currently granted and applied for more than 15,000 patents.
    The Group is headquartered in Premstaetten/ Graz, Austria, and the joint headquarters is located in Munich, Germany. In 2023, the Group's total revenue exceeded 3.6 billion euros. ams-OSRAM AG is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (ISIN: AT0000A3EPA4).