Flikweert Vision Introduces AI-Powered QualityGrader for Faster Potato and Onion Sorting

Flikweert Vision is introducing its latest QualityGrader optical sorting system to the North American market, highlighting increased capacity, new configurations and greater flexibility for potato and onion sorting operations. The company will showcase the updated machine alongside its North American partner, Volm Companies, at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, scheduled for October 14–16, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

Increased Capacity and AI-Powered Quality Assessment

For potato and onion growers, packers and processors, maintaining consistent product quality is becoming increasingly challenging. Variations in quality defects between batches, increasingly demanding customer specifications, rising capacity requirements and labour availability pressures are making it more difficult to maintain quality and efficiency throughout the sorting process. 

The further-developed QualityGrader is designed to address these challenges by combining advanced camera technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically inspect and sort potatoes and onions according to quality requirements. The system identifies defects such as greening, rot and damage, as well as unwanted materials including stones and clods. 

The updated machine is available in two working widths, 1.0 and 1.5 metres, with a sorting capacity of up to 30 tonnes per hour. Depending on the selected configuration, six or nine cameras inspect products from multiple angles to support accurate quality assessment and consistent sorting performance.

Flexible Configurations for Different Sorting Requirements

The new QualityGrader introduces additional configuration options to accommodate a wider range of sorting operations. An optional second rejection unit enables potatoes and onions to be sorted into up to three separate product streams, providing operators with greater flexibility in managing different quality grades and product requirements. 

Another optional feature, the RejectSeparator, separates stones and clods from rejected potatoes or onions. This functionality supports the separation of unwanted materials from rejected produce, offering additional flexibility in handling sorting outputs. 

Flikweert Vision has also further optimized the QualityGrader for accessibility and ease of maintenance. These practical improvements are intended to simplify maintenance activities and support integration into different processing and packing environments. 

The machine can be configured for various applications, including washed and unwashed potatoes, seed potatoes, fresh-market potatoes and onions. This adaptability allows growers, packers and processors to select a configuration that suits their specific capacity, quality and sorting requirements.

QualityGrader to Be Showcased at IFPA 2026

Flikweert Vision will present the new QualityGrader alongside Volm Companies at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place from October 14–16, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. The exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the latest developments in optical sorting technology and discuss how the machine's different configurations can support their operational needs. 

Visitors can meet the Flikweert Vision and Volm Companies teams at booth #2332 to learn more about the updated QualityGrader and its potential applications in potato and onion sorting operations.

With increased capacity, AI-based defect detection and optional sorting and separation features, the new QualityGrader is designed to give produce businesses more flexibility in managing product quality, throughput and sorting efficiency.