Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Applications in Food Science and Industry

Dear Colleagues,

Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) are emerging as powerful tools driving innovation and efficiency in the rapidly evolving landscape of food science and technology. AI and computer vision applications transform food production, processing, and consumption, automating quality control processes, enhancing food safety, and optimizing production workflows. Integrating AI and CV into the food industry enhances operational efficiency and plays a critical role in meeting the growing demand for sustainable, safe, and high-quality food products. This Special Issue of Foods aims to bring together cutting-edge research, review articles, and case studies that explore the diverse applications of AI and computer vision in food science and industry. The objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of current advancements, challenges, and future directions in this rapidly expanding field. We invite contributions highlighting novel AI-driven approaches, the development and application of CV technologies, and interdisciplinary studies bridging the gap between food science and computational methodologies. 

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

• AI-Driven Quality Control: Defect detection automation, grading, and sorting food products.
• Computer Vision for Food Safety: Applications of CV in microbial detection, contamination monitoring, and shelf-life prediction.
• Optimization of Food Processing: AI models for streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, and reducing food waste.
• Sustainable Food Production: Leveraging AI and CV for sustainable agriculture, innovative packaging, and resource management.
• Predictive Analytics in Food Supply Chains: AI systems that enhance supply chain logistics, demand forecasting, and inventory control decision-making.
• Food Recognition and Classification: CV-based systems for automatic recognition, sorting, and classifying of food items in production environments.
• AI and CV in Consumer Experience: Personalized nutrition, food product recommendations, and visual assessment of food quality via AI and CV.
• Robotics and Automation in Food Production: Integration of AI-driven robotics in food handling, packaging, and distribution.
• Data Fusion and Interdisciplinary Approaches: Combining AI and CV with sensory data, spectroscopy, and other technologies to enhance food characterization and processing.

We encourage submissions that demonstrate novel methodologies, practical case studies, and review articles that synthesize current knowledge and propose new frameworks or directions for future research. This Special Issue is a comprehensive resource and a practical guide for scientists, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers. It aims to showcase the high potential of AI and Computer Vision as vital tools in the future of modern food science and technology, not just in theory but in practice.

Prof. Dr. Cristian Randieri
Dr. Salvatore Campisi-Pinto
Prof. Dr. Zeev Wiesman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.