E158 ‘Transforming Food and Waste Management with AI’ with Tomra Food’s Brendan Byrne

Today’s guest is Brendan Byrne, Technical Manager | Machine Intelligence at TOMRA Food. In this episode, Brendan will look back on his journey into the world of AI, his current role at Tomra Food and the innovative ways AI is transforming the food industry.

Brendan’s interest in technology began at a young age, leading him to pursue an engineering degree in college. His curiosity deepened during his final year when he was introduced to computer vision—a field that would shape his career. Fascinated by the potential of image processing, Brendan went on to pursue a PhD in computer vision, focusing on extracting depth information from images. This academic foundation set the stage for his eventual transition into the industry, where he joined Tomra Food as a research scientist.

While the name “Tomra” may not be widely recognised, the company’s impact is far-reaching. Tomra is a global leader headquartered in Norway, with a mission to transform how the world obtains, uses and reuses resources. Their technology plays a crucial role in various industries, including food production, recycling and textiles.

One of Tomra’s most recognisable contributions is the reverse vending machines commonly seen outside supermarkets, where people recycle bottles and cans in exchange for deposit refunds. These machines, first invented by Tomra in 1972, use advanced inspection technology to identify and sort items for recycling.

At Tomra Food, Brendan oversees the development of AI-driven optical sorters—highly sophisticated machines that inspect food products at incredible speeds. These systems, often the size of a large van, are equipped with real-time vision systems that process thousands of food items per second. Using AI models, they can identify foreign materials, such as glass or plastic, and remove them from the food stream, ensuring the highest standards of food safety.

The value of these machines extends beyond safety. They also enhance product quality by allowing producers to fine-tune sorting processes, which can lead to significant cost savings. A small improvement in yield, for example, can translate to millions of dollars in additional revenue for producers. Additionally, these machines help reduce operational costs by minimising downtime and increasing automation, contributing to more efficient and sustainable food production.

In the podcast, Brendan also shares his thoughts on the potential for generative AI in the manufacturing industry. While generative AI applications are still emerging, he sees great potential in making systems more user-friendly and improving internal processes. For example, AI-powered chatbots could help customers optimise machine performance, while AI-driven predictive maintenance could further minimise downtime.

Brendan also highlighted the growing importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in business. Companies are increasingly focused on sustainability, and AI is playing a pivotal role in helping them meet these goals. From reducing energy consumption to optimising resource use, AI-driven innovations at Tomra are not only enhancing efficiency but also supporting a more sustainable future.

Furthermore, Brendan provides valuable insights into the transformative role of AI in the food industry. At Tomra Foods, AI is not just a tool for improving efficiency – it’s a critical component of a broader mission to create a world without waste. As AI technology continues to evolve, its applications in food sorting and beyond will likely expand, driving innovation and sustainability across industries.

For those interested in the intersection of AI and sustainability, the work being done at Tomra Foods offers a compelling glimpse into the future. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of our food or optimising the recycling process, AI is poised to play an increasingly vital role in how we interact with and preserve our planet’s resources.