Ishida Europe will demonstrate its latest innovations in quality control, automation, and production monitoring at VIV Europe, as it looks to support poultry processors with improving yield while reducing operational risk. VIV Europe is the premier event for the animal protein industry and is set to return between 2-4 June at the Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs Exhibition & Convention Centre in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

This year, the show will focus on AI, robotics and automation and visitors can head to Ishida’s stand (Hall 11, Stand 11.D020) to see some of the latest poultry production line technology aligned with these themes. These include its IX-PD-Poultry X-ray inspection system, its RobotGrader robotics solution for tray and bulk packing simultaneously, and Ishida’s AI-powered production monitoring software, Sentinel 5.0.

The IX-PD-Poultry takes centre stage for Ishida and has been designed specifically for the quality control and inspection challenges poultry processors face. Integrated with Ishida’s patented Genetic Algorithm (GA) technology and enhanced with dual-energy processing, the IX-PD-Poultry ensures a higher resolution and clearer image than can be achieved with conventional X-ray machines. This enables more reliable detection of low-density items such as bone fragments in poultry fillets. The X-ray inspection system’s advanced image processing provides consistent performance across varying product types, while its algorithmic learning helps poultry processors maintain stringent quality standards without compromising on output.

Ishida will also be presenting the RobotGrader, which was brought into its portfolio at the end of last year. RobotGrader is a fully automated, high-speed packing solution that combines robotics with intelligent weighing and grading. Designed to reduce manual handling, the system automatically and precisely selects, grades and places products into trays or bulk crates. The Ishida RobotGrader can handle up to 320 pieces per minute, helping to reduce reliance on labour, increasing production output whilst reducing product giveaway.

Completing the line‑up is Sentinel 5.0, Ishida’s AI-powered remote production and monitoring platform. Capable of machine learning, Sentinel 5.0 provides real‑time visibility of machine performance across entire production lines, even with non-Ishida machines. This functionality means it can provide predictive maintenance, faster troubleshooting and data‑driven optimisation. The revolutionary software helps processors reduce unplanned downtime, improve OEE and maximise the return on their equipment investment.

Darren Chandler, General Manager for Protein Solutions at Ishida Europe, said: "Rising costs, lack of skilled labour, quality control and processing speeds are common pressures all poultry processors face. VIV Europe is a key opportunity for us to demonstrate how advanced inspection, grading and digital technologies can transform performance for them.

“The IX‑PD‑Poultry, RobotGrader and Sentinel 5.0 each address critical industry needs, from labour shortages to quality control and line efficiency. Together, they show how automation and intelligent data can deliver higher throughput, greater consistency and stronger commercial returns. We’re looking forward to engaging with processors across Europe and showcasing the real values these systems can bring to our customer’s operations.”