China uses AI 'CT scan' to sort durians in 4 seconds

The FD3 intelligent durian sorting system was unveiled on July 19 at the 2025 Hainan Durian Production and Sales Matching Event, according to Singapore outlet Must Share News.

Developed by Chinese technology teams, the system combines food-grade X-ray technology and artificial intelligence to evaluate each durian’s internal condition. It detects defects such as insect infestation, rot, or immature pulp.

"The AI system can perform an X-ray on each durian in just four seconds," said Fang Yuan, project manager of the FD3 system.

He added that the system currently operates with an accuracy rate of 95% and is expected to improve as it collects more data over time.

Durian fruit. Photo by VnExpress/ Manh Khuong

The fully automated process begins with durians placed on a conveyor belt for scanning. The system’s software analyzes the X-ray images and only allows fruit that meets quality standards to proceed along the supply chain.

This automation is designed to reduce waste and ensure consistency, particularly for large-scale producers and distributors seeking to control costs.

Cui Hao, head of the durian processing factory at Hainan Youqi Agriculture in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, where the AI system has been deployed, said previous sorting was done manually and often produced inconsistent results, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"The new sorting line, which "CT scans" each durian, quickly grades the fruit, eliminating the problems associated with manual selection," he said. "It greatly improves sorting efficiency and ensures consistent quality for every durian."