The Fraunhofer IPMS has introduced a compact, AI based hyperspectral camera designed to support real time material and quality analysis in agricultural environments. The system has been developed under the OASYS project, which focuses on optoelectronic sensors for application oriented systems intended for direct use in operational settings.
OASYS Project and Subproject A1
The OASYS project is centered on the development of optoelectronic sensor technologies that can be integrated into practical systems across multiple sectors. Within this initiative, Subproject A1 brings together scientists and industry experts to develop an ultra compact, energy efficient hyperspectral camera capable of performing complex material and quality analyses in real time. The system incorporates an integrated spectrometer that records spectral characteristics, enabling the detection of chemical properties that are not visible to the human eye. This capability allows defects in food products and the composition of textiles or plastics to be identified quickly and accurately.
Combining 2D Imaging, AI, and Spectral Sensing
The hyperspectral camera follows an approach that combines conventional 2D imaging with artificial intelligence and spectral analysis. In operation, a standard high resolution 2D camera first captures an image of the target object. Artificial intelligence algorithms then analyze this image in real time to automatically identify regions of interest. The integrated spectrometer subsequently performs spectral analysis exclusively at these selected positions, determining the chemical composition of the materials present.
This method avoids the need to capture spectral data across the entire image, a process that is typically computationally intensive. By focusing only on relevant measurement points, the system reduces data volumes, lowers energy consumption, and shortens processing times, while enabling real time hyperspectral analysis.
Efficiency and Automated Evaluation
The targeted spectral measurement approach significantly improves the efficiency of hyperspectral sensing. Automated evaluation through artificial intelligence enables faster and more reliable analysis, supporting continuous operation in environments where manual inspection would be impractical. The reduced processing requirements also make the system suitable for deployment in settings with limited energy availability.
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Industrial, Food, and Agricultural Applications
The information obtained through the camera supports a range of applications across industry and agriculture. In industrial processes, it enables reliable sorting of textiles and plastics and improves the identification of counterfeit products through chemical verification. In food processing, the system enhances quality control by detecting pressure marks and defects that may not be visible through conventional inspection methods. In agriculture, it enables accurate assessment of plant condition and nutrient requirements, supporting more informed crop monitoring.
Across these applications, automated decision making contributes to more sustainable processes and more efficient use of economic resources.
With the compact hyperspectral camera from OASYS A1, we are developing technology that can be used directly in production lines, sorting facilities, or in the field for analytical processes. The combination of miniaturization, energy efficiency and artificial intelligence opens up completely new applications, while also making an important contribution to resource conservation and process reliability.
Basis for Future Sensor Systems
The components developed as part of the OASYS project are intended to form the basis for future sensor systems. These systems are expected to support applications across industry, recycling, agriculture, and the food sector by providing integrated hyperspectral sensing solutions designed for direct deployment in real world operational environments.
The development under the OASYS project positions the compact AI based hyperspectral camera as a practical sensing system aligned with real world industrial and agricultural requirements. By integrating optoelectronic sensors, artificial intelligence, and targeted spectral analysis in an ultra compact and energy efficient format, the work at Fraunhofer IPMS outlines a pathway for hyperspectral technologies to be embedded more broadly into production, inspection, and field based processes, supporting consistent analysis and operational decision making across multiple sectors.