Flikweert Expands Capacity of Optical Sorting Robot QualityGrader

Why It Matters

The enhancement boosts automation and labor savings for potato and onion processors, while the increased capacity meets growing demand for high‑speed, quality‑focused sorting. This positions Flikweert as a leading supplier in the smart‑farming equipment market.

Key Takeaways

• New 1.5 m model doubles sorting width
• Throughput reaches ~30 tonnes per hour
• Dual ejection creates three product streams
• Over 450 units deployed in 20 countries
• Target 650 units by year‑end

Pulse Analysis

The rise of AI‑driven vision systems has transformed post‑harvest handling, allowing growers to replace manual inspection with high‑precision robotics. Optical sorters such as Flikweert’s QualityGrader analyze surface defects, color, and shape in real time, delivering consistent quality while reducing labor costs. As consumer expectations for blemish‑free produce tighten, farms and processors are investing in technologies that can keep pace with larger harvest volumes. This shift aligns with broader smart‑farming initiatives that integrate data analytics, IoT connectivity, and automated decision‑making across the supply chain.

Flikweert’s latest upgrade introduces a 1.5‑metre working width and a second ejection unit, effectively creating three separate streams—one accepted and two rejected. The wider feed path lifts throughput to roughly 30 tonnes per hour, a notable jump for medium‑scale operations. By segmenting rejected produce into two categories, operators can route sub‑standard potatoes or onions to different downstream processes, such as re‑processing or animal feed, improving overall yield utilization. The modular design also simplifies retrofitting existing lines, lowering the total cost of ownership for growers seeking incremental automation.

With more than 450 units already deployed across 20 countries, Flikweert is on track to surpass 650 installations by the end of 2026, signaling strong market acceptance. The upcoming demo tour in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, and France will give potential customers hands‑on exposure to the enhanced capabilities, accelerating adoption in key European grain‑processing hubs. Looking ahead, the company’s roadmap includes size‑based grading and deeper integration with farm management platforms, which could further streamline inventory tracking and reduce waste. As the competitive landscape tightens, such innovations may become a baseline requirement for modern agri‑businesses.