Scientists make AI-powered 'electronic nose' to sniff out meat freshness

An NTU Singapore’s scientists-led team has developed an AI-powered “electronic nose” that assesses the freshness of meat.

The research team from NTU Singapore collaborated with scientists from Jiangnan University, China, and Monash University, Australia.

It comprises a barcode that changes colour in reaction to gases from rotting meat and a smartphone app with a barcode reader that predicts meat’s freshness.

When tested on commercially packaged samples, the e-nose showed a 98.5% accuracy, the team said.

The e-nose, described in a paper published in the scientific journal Advanced Materials in October, could help to reduce food wastage by confirming to consumers whether meat is fit for consumption, more accurately than a ‘Best Before’ label could