Machine vision is an essential element of JBT FoodTech’s water-jet portioning machines, and the analytical capabilities of optimized value sorting can help processors achieve even higher portioning profits.

Norman A. “Andy” Rudy qualifies as a pioneer in the application of machine vision to accurately and precisely cut meat, fish and poultry into uniform portions. The founder of Design Systems Inc. received his first US patent for a vision-based portioning machine in 1989; seven years later, he sold the company to Frigoscandia, which shared lab space with Rudy and his DSI colleagues. He remained active in the enterprise and helped develop increasingly sophisticated portioners for meat and poultry processing facilities worldwide. Though now retired, Rudy remains a frequent presence in JBT FoodTech’s Redmond, WA, lab, which now is under the JBT FoodTech umbrella.