A team of researchers from the Universities of Cadiz (Spain), Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) have developed a digital tyre sensor. The "robotic tongue", the result of a scientific study, is intended to replace the cost of the oenologist to assess the maturity of the grapes. The system with two electrodes evaluates the phenolic maturity of the grape must. This would enable the harvest time and the quality potential to be determined much more objectively than before.
The researchers emphasise that no further chemical or analytical components are required for analysis. The electrodes contain different polymers for analysis and measure the pH value, acidity, sugar content, oxidation state and anthocyanin concentration.
Since 2015, the research team has tested its system with the grape varieties Ancellotta, Lambrusco Marani and Malbo Gentile. In the process, 100 grapes were analysed and evaluated every ten days until maturity. The next step will be tests with known grape varieties that play an important role in wine production.
In addition, the researchers are working on an elketronic eye, which will evaluate the ripeness development based on the colour development of the grapes.
(uka)