Smart Sensors for the Intelligent Container

Abstract

Food losses along the cold chain can be reduced by accurate monitoring of the transport conditions. After 10 years of research on the 'Intelligent Container' we summarize our results in regard to the following questions: a) What are the challenges in establishing a wireless communication systems that links sensors inside food packing with global networks? b) Which sensors are most useful to detect deviations of food quality? c) Which improvements in the food chain are possible if detailed data about temperature and quality deviations are provided? d) What level of intelligence or smartness can be implemented on sensor or container level?