Turbo Clean system uses AI and robotics to clear food trays

Developed for a multinational commercial catering company, Turbo Clean is claimed to automate one of the least loved jobs in the kitchen. Thousands of images of messy food trays with different combinations of tableware were first used to train an algorithm, eventually allowing the system to recognise new patterns independently. When presented with a tray, machine vision detects the contents, labelling the various glasses, plates and cutlery. Robotic arms with suction capability then remove the items from the tray and deposit them in their assigned container, ready to be sent to a dishwasher.

“It’s widely accepted that AI and robotics will impact almost every business. But it’s vital to understand both what is technically possible and what is commercially viable, to ensure that a business thrives through this time of technological revolution,” said Nathan Wrench, commercial director at Cambridge Consultants.