Artificial intelligence (AI) has long since arrived in the food industry. From quality assurance and supply chain optimization to product safety — AI promises efficiency gains and cost savings. But what does this technological revolution mean for the industry and its employees?
The opportunities of the AI revolution
The implementation of AI systems offers impressive opportunities for the food industry.
In quality control, AI-supported camera systems can detect foreign bodies or quality defects within milliseconds and reduce the reject rate. State-of-the-art sensor systems, coupled with AI analysis, have the ability to continuously monitor critical production parameters such as temperature, humidity and microbiological contamination. This enables precise prediction of potential quality deviations before they even occur.
The potential is also evident in the supply chain: AI-supported forecasting models optimize order quantities and stock levels, reduce food waste and ensure an unbroken cold chain. In product development, AI systems analyze consumer trends and support the development of new recipes that meet changing consumer demands.
Challenges and risks in practical use
Despite these promising opportunities, the use of AI also poses significant challenges. A key risk lies in the uncritical adoption of AI-generated decisions and analyses. Automated systems are based on trained algorithms, the quality of which depends largely on the underlying training data. If this data is incomplete or distorted, the results may also be incorrect.
This is particularly critical when using AI in areas relevant to food safety, such as the creation of HACCP concepts and similar.
AI tools can create analyses and concepts at lightning speed. However, they lack the in-depth understanding of company-specific features and potential risk factors that only experienced specialists can recognize.
Specific challenges for different employee groups
Career starters
For newcomers to the industry, there is a risk of relying too much on the supposed objectivity of AI. Without sound specialist knowledge and experience, they may find it difficult to assess the limits and potential sources of error of the technology. They need special support in developing a healthy skepticism towards automated decisions.
Experienced professionals
Experienced professionals are faced with the task of combining their knowledge and experience with the new technological possibilities. It is crucial to use AI as support without losing sight of the importance of their own expertise.
Practice-oriented solutions
The introduction of AI is best achieved with a clear concept. Many companies rely on tandem teams in which, for example, experienced food technicians work together with experienced AI users. This allows the strengths of AI — rapid analysis and pattern recognition — to be combined with the practical knowledge of the specialists in a meaningful way.
Training measures are necessary and should be designed with a practical focus and with reference to specific “pain points”:
- Workshops comparing AI analysis with traditional quality assurance methods
- Case study-based training for the critical evaluation of AI-generated decision proposals
- Regular reflection rounds in which successes and challenges in AI integration are discussed
Conclusion: The path to successful integration
AI will permanently change the food industry. The key to success lies in the balanced combination of technological innovation and human expertise.
Companies that actively involve their employees in the transformation process and develop clear guidelines for the use of AI can make the most of the benefits of the technology.
The following applies: AI should be seen as a supporting tool that supplements, but does not replace, human expertise.
Sources and further information
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0044848624015102
Vorteile von KI für die Lebensmittelindustrie | Anuga FoodTec
