AI also screens peaches… Lotte Mart and supermarkets release fresh peaches.

Lotte Mart will unveil crispy peaches selected using an AI screening system on the 18th. According to an article, the AI screening system incorporates deep learning algorithms into non-destructive sugar content screening machines, enhancing the accuracy of agricultural product quality discernment. The system captures passing peaches on a conveyor belt with two cameras, taking high-speed shots 3-4 times per second to identify defects. Lotte Mart explained that AI, through repeated learning of the differences between normal and defective peaches, has increased speed and accuracy. In addition to color, size, sugar content, and blemishes, the system can also discern subtle features like seed cracks that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye in crispy peach varieties. Lotte Mart stated that they continue to enhance the screening model algorithm through deep learning for various peach varieties. Last July, Lotte Mart has showcased Cheondo peaches sorted by an AI selection system, and this year, they expanded the use of the system to crispy peach varieties. They plan to enhance their fresh competitiveness by applying the AI screening system to soft peach varieties in the future. Lotte Mart Supermarkets will increase the supply of “Midnight Peaches,” harvested in the early morning and sold in-store in the afternoon, starting on the 24th. Harvested from major production areas in Chungbuk, Eumseong, and Chungju starting at 4 AM, the peaches undergo sorting and packaging in the morning and are sold in stores after 3 PM on the same day. Lee Seung-han, a Lotte Mart Super Fruit Team MD, expressed that with the AI-selected crispy peaches and Midnight Peaches, Lotte aims to convey a message that all peaches sold at Lotte are delicious regardless of the variety chosen.