Pueblo, Colorado Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Atlas Pacific Engineering Company has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for a breakthrough in fruit processing automation. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent Application No. 20240358056, titled ‘Systems and methods for removing a covering from an item of produce’, uses a vision-guided robotic arm system to sort and position fruit with precision.
Designed to improve the efficiency and consistency of food production lines, this technology automates the placement of fruit into processing equipment such as pitting or slicing machines. The system uses advanced imaging to determine the orientation and quality of each fruit before a robotic end effector gently moves it into position. This reduces waste, increases speed, and lowers labor costs.
Unlike conventional sorting systems, which often rely on manual handling or rigid mechanical guides, Atlas Pacific’s solution combines smart vision algorithms with flexible robotic control. This allows for real-time adjustments based on size, shape, or defects – making it ideal for handling irregular produce.
The impact of this innovation could be significant across the food industry. Producers can achieve higher yields, better product consistency, and safer operations. Atlas Pacific, based in Pueblo, Colorado, has long been a global leader in fruit processing machinery. This latest invention confirms their role at the forefront of food tech innovation.