Importance of computational tools and artificial intelligence to improve drying processes for food preservation

Abstract

Computational tools, including mathematical algorithms, specialized software, and artificial neural networks, along with the advancements in artificial intelligence, have brought significant advancements to industrial processes. Specifically, in food drying processes, such as those employed for grains, fruits, and vegetables, these tools have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in preserving the food itself and its nutritional value. This work highlights how artificial intelligence and computational tools have facilitated the automation of industrial processes (Engineering 4.0). Furthermore, it sheds light on the future potential of the man-machine interface, which is expected to give rise to Industry 5.0. The application of artificial intelligence in drying processes has demonstrated its impact on optimizing this unit operation by reducing process times, improving operating conditions, and predicting final quality characteristics of the products with remarkable accuracy, without requiring extensive experimentation or pilot tests.