The global population continues to grow daily, necessitating increased food production to meet the rising demand. Consequently, farmers find themselves compelled to utilize more resources than ever, including the widespread use of pesticides. Unfortunately, this practice results in consumers ingesting traces of chemicals overused in farming procedures.

FLIR Pure is dedicated to assisting households in monitoring their cleaning processes when preparing fresh produce for personal consumption, enhancing transparency and dynamism in the overall procedure. This is achieved through a two-step process while the fresh produce is in the water. Initially, chemical sensors identify concentration levels and spot areas where these chemicals are most dominant, focusing on critical zones that require thorough removal. Subsequently, ultra-sonic waves efficiently and directly eliminate these chemicals from the fresh produce, utilizing less water than conventional rinsing methods. Throughout the entire cleaning process, users are provided with visual step-by-step updates.

FLIR Pure detects and eliminates chemical residues on the surface of fresh produce, reducing the time and water required by half compared to traditional methods. Moreover, it diminishes the long-term risks of health issues associated with consuming food containing chemical traces.

Background

The use of pesticides is increasing since it helps to improve the production of fresh produce around the globe, approximately 4.5 million metric tons annually, 20-40% of crop yields improve in the presence of chemical pesticides. Leading to the final consumer ingesting chemical traces that pose a potential risk to their health. Therefore, individuals are increasingly vigilant about ensuring food safety in their daily consumption.

Research

In the preliminary stages of our research, we conducted interviews with four families hailing from distinct countries. The purpose of these interviews was to gain insight into their dietary habits concerning the consumption of fresh produce, thereby comprehensively elucidating contemporary perspectives on pesticide usage and future aspirations. Concurrently, we devised a structured questionnaire encompassing four thematic areas:

1/ Fresh Produce: Inquiry into the daily dietary practices concerning the consumption of fresh produce.

2/ Challenges and Benefits: Exploration of the difficulties encountered and advantages gained throughout the consumption process.

3/ Aspirations: Examination of individuals' aspirations and future societal implications.

4/ Core Values: Investigation into the fundamental principles driving individuals' life choices and actions.

Solution

The FLIR Pure solution constitutes a device designed for home environments, facilitating users with direct and visual feedback on quality control throughout their consumption of fresh produce. Upon placement alongside the fresh produce within water, the embedded sensor initiates operation in conjunction with ultrasonic technology to purify bacteria within the water. The reillumination of the LED light signals the completion of the entire cleaning process.

Summary

The FLIR Pure solution offers a convenient and effective means for users to enhance quality control during the consumption of fresh produce within home environments. By utilizing advanced sensor and ultrasonic technology, the device enables users to achieve a heightened level of cleanliness, thereby mitigating the risk of bacterial contamination. This not only ensures the safety and freshness of the produce but also provides users with valuable peace of mind regarding their dietary choices. Moreover, the straightforward operation and intuitive feedback mechanism of the device contribute to a seamless user experience. With its ability to deliver tangible benefits in terms of food safety and quality assurance, the FLIR Pure solution emerges as a practical and valuable addition to households seeking to optimize their consumption practices.