Student project: mmWave sensing of fruit ripeness

What you will do

Fruit ripeness is often parameterised by moisture content, pH and sugar content, which are typically measured using destructive techniques. Non-destructive techniques promise to give growers, retailers and consumers better knowledge of the quality of their produce, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing waste. 

This project will aim to further develop the idea of non-destructive determination of fruit ripeness by probing with millimetre wavelength electromagnetic waves (mmWave). Working with guidance from OnePlanet researchers, the student will have the opportunity both to design and conduct experiments using a mmWave transducer. Both bottled solutions and real fruit samples will be analysed in a variety of configurations to assess the feasibility of the technique for practical measurement of fruit ripeness. Analysis of the data by either multiple linear regression, principal component analysis, artificial neural networks or similar will also be conducted in the project, giving a robust predictive model for ripeness parameters. An important outcome will be to find the optimal configuration of the mmWave transducer that maximises accuracy and precision. Depending on the duration of the assignment, the student will additionally investigate the feasibility of using permittivity matching dielectrics to enhance the measurement accuracy.

In summary, you will:

• Design and construct experimental apparatus to measure reflected mmWave signals from bottled solutions and fruit.
• Execute simulations to decide which configurations should be optimal.
• Execute testing and compare signal to simulations.
• Perform reference measurements with a refractometer, and/or other novel OnePlanet sensors.
• Perform data analysis by either multiple linear regression, principal component analysis, artificial neural networks or similar.

What we do for you

We offer a challenging and international environment at the forefront of technology. OnePlanet is a new collaboration of 3 renowned and globally respected research institutes/universities: Wageningen University & Research, Radboud University, Radboudumc, and imec. By joining the OnePlanet team, you will be part of a team of world changers, disruptive innovators, and practical thinkers. Here, your ideas will have an impact on our future lives.

Who you are

• You are a Msc student in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or similar field.
• You have experience with embedded software programming and related tools.
• You are available for a (minimal) period of 5 months.
• You have a strong interest in RF sensing techniques.
• You have a strong interest in data analysis.
• An interest in Agricultural sciences is a plus.
• Motivated student eager to expand knowledge in the field.
• Good written and verbal English skills and an ability to perform a literature study.
• Entitled to do an internship in the Netherlands. This means that either you are either an EU/EEA citizen, or a non-EU/EEA citizen who is studying at a Dutch university and need to do an internship as part of your studies.