The RTD group at Marel

In the past couple of years the research and technical development (RTD) group at Marel has been working on adding X-ray technology to our array of technical competence. Last spring the group introduced its first X-ray inspection unit, which automatically recognizes bones in fish fillets with exceptional performance.

The RTD team: Vidar Erlingsson with Dr. Kristinn Andersen, Marel RTD manager and Hrafnkell Eiriksson.

Key developers of the new technology at Marel are Vidar Erlingsson and Hrafnkell Eiriksson, both of whom earned their M.Sc. engineering degrees from DTU in Denmark prior to joining Marel. "Their solid academic background and high quality engineering work has been indispensable in building up our competence in X-ray technology," says Dr. Kristinn Andersen, RTD manager, who has been with Marel for over ten years. Andersen has worked on numerous product development projects, including computer vision, intelligent batching and grader software development.

X-ray technology adopted in record time
Work at Marel on X-ray technology started in 2001 and thus the technical competence has been acquired in record time, considering the scope of the task. At the outset a number of firms specializing in X-ray imaging were contacted to investigate if the required technology was already available. It was found that existing products and solutions did not meet the requirements set by Marel and its customers, and thus the development at Marel was initiated.  With the proper selection of high quality components and state-of-the-art design of image processing software and other components, Marel’s designers developed a system with a performance that exceeded that of the existing solutions.

Further work, based on the X-ray imaging, is already in progress, such as equipment for poultry inspection and using X-ray analysis with other core technologies and products of Marel.

Networking is important in RTD
In addition to X-ray technology development, the group focuses on its primary mission, the adoption of new and emerging technologies at Marel. The RTD group facilitates cooperation with universities and research institutes, support of student projects and participation in research projects in Iceland and internationally, all of which is vital for research and the quest for new knowledge.

Andersen points at the successful X-ray development when he emphasizes the value of his colleagues’ work. "Our work on X-ray technology is demanding in many ways.  Whether it comes to understanding the physics of X-ray radiation, advanced signal and image processing, or system design, Hrafnkell’s and Vidar’s professional approach is a fine example of the quality of the people that have brought Marel into its position as an industry leader."