Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are some of the greatest new technologies that are affecting mankind positively in multiple spheres. AI is now also affecting the ways food is produced, distributed, and consumed in the USA.
In the modern age, digital platforms and technologies like AI are being actively used by food distributors, grocers, distributors, and food retailers in the USA.
AI in Food Distribution
The benefits of AI are widespread and the same is being realized by the food producers as well. Some of the more recent uses of AI and machine learning in producing and distributing crops and produces include:
AI can today evaluate as well as harvest the crops, which until recently were harvested by hand. AI has the power to analyze the conditions and variables as well, and can hence also predict the future of the crops that are being grown.
Artificial intelligence does improve the effectiveness and efficiency of farm management and also provides for reduced crop yield and distribution losses.
Research and Development
Organizations and institutions of repute, including the University Of California, Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC), and USDA among others are collaborating to create a food system of the modern era.
The AI Institute of Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS) has been established for using AI in the field of agriculture and to produce, process, and distribute nutritious food safely.
Research is being done to find applications of AI for reducing resource consumption (in the production of food) and for enhancing its safety. The use of the new technology may also help consumers make more personalized health and nutrition-related decisions.
Improving Food’s Quality and Safety
AI can be used for improving the quality and safety of food and for preventing many foodborne illnesses.
AI is being used actively for purposes including food and beverage. AI could be soon applied to many other food production and distribution segments as well including packaging, planting, harvesting, and processing, and may improve the quality of food produces significantly.
Proving Tracking and Traceability
Foodborne illnesses are common throughout the world. Product spoilage, foodborne illnesses, and other kinds of agriculture and food-related issues always threaten mankind. These issues also affect beverage and food distribution in the USA.
AI will help in upgrading the tracking and traceability measures for the food produced, distributed, and consumed.
The food-producing companies can better determine the complete pathways of production and distribution of food, along with the delivery destinations, with AI’s aid.
The information obtained can be processed swiftly, which will lead to agile identification and response. For instance, food storage and distribution can make use of AI-enabled sensors.
Some food items have to be kept at a specific temperature, and the sensors can send an alert instantly when things are not right. AI can thus help companies prevent losses and avoid the distribution of spoilt food and shipments.
Reducing the Distribution Costs
AI can also help food distribution companies and industries reduce their operational, distribution, and supply chain costs. For instance, all the equipment and machinery used for storing or processing food require regular maintenance.
AI can easily determine which machine requires maintenance and at what time. It can send an alert, which will provide swift response and timely maintenance.
The effectiveness and efficiency of food services will also reduce with the use of technologies including AI and machine learning and will provide for better quality, safety, and services.
Preventing Critical Situations
The most important reason why food production companies are using technologies including AI is due to the predictive capabilities of the new technologies.
AI can better predict when a process or product may be going out of control. The sensors can send the alert whenever the variables and controls vary from the tolerance or the predefined compliance levels.
The technology can also help a company and its operation managers know any data (related to a process) or piece of information at any time.
Conclusion
The new technologies including AI and machine learning may have a transformative effect on food production as well as distribution. The food items of the future may be more nutritious and high in quality, while the distribution systems may also provide us safer and expedited deliveries through the use of these new technologies.
AI can also be combined with other technologies including ML and IoT (internet of things), which may improve the scope and benefits of food production, distribution, nutrition, and consumption manifold.
Companies in the food industry should approach the NetSuite consulting service providers to obtain a competitive edge and to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
