Advanced Process Control

Developing IT tools to accommodate control and design of (sub-)processes by means of a system approach to all information obtained via sensor technology.

The trend in factories is towards connectivity. Industry 4.0, in which sensors combine all machines into one system, allows the food industry to visualize and optimize their production lines. This capacity to recognize abnormal conditions is crucial in preventing problems before they shut down (a section of) production. DFPI is thus looking to implement sensors, IT tools and wireless connectivity within the factories and production lines of partners.

Making the most of AI

Work is currently being done on sensors which collectively analyze all sections of processes instead of individually. AI is an important emerging technology, as sensor data allows it to digitally optimize the line based on discovered best practices and bottlenecks. For companies, the advantages of working with DFPI on AI are obvious: optimized production means faster lead times, lower costs and greater flexibility. Employees are then left with more time to focus on the human aspects of innovation, such as taste preferences.

The best of both worlds

By collaborating with DFPI, partners enter an ecosystem in which knowledge and expertise on both food sciences and high-tech systems are transformed into market-ready products. WUR, for example, has worked for years on smart tech solutions for agriculture and food chain, and is currently working on smart food processing. TNO, meanwhile, has a team of over 30 researchers working on technologies such as information fusion, adaptive planning algorithms and AI.

To discuss sensor opportunities with DFPI, get in touch today.


DFPI is a collaboration of: