The IoT-enabled colourimeter allows for remote monitoring, data logging, and automated analysis, making it suitable for both research and industrial applications

Researchers of NIT Rourkela developed IoT-enabled devices to monitor Food Quality

Researchers from NIT Rourkela, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, have successfully developed an innovative IoT-enabled device to monitor the quality of ingredients in processed food. This smart device, a colorimeter, tracks color and temperature changes in real-time, making it particularly useful for studying oleogels, fat alternatives used in processed foods ¹.

The device’s primary application is in monitoring the stability of oleogels, which can be prone to instability due to oil migration resulting from poor crystallization. This instability affects food quality, and traditional methods of assessment require expensive lab equipment and skilled technicians.

The research team, led by Dr. Kunal Pal, Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, NIT Rourkela, has secured a patent for the technology (Patent No. 560281, Application No. 202231075092). The study’s findings have been published in the Journal of Food Engineering.

This innovative device has the potential to improve food safety and quality control processes significantly. Its estimated cost is approximately Rs. 50,000, making it a cost-effective solution for food manufacturers. The research team envisions that this device will not only enhance food science research but also empower food manufacturers to implement better quality control practices at a lower cost ¹.