A groundbreaking development in the coffee industry promises to safeguard grinders from one of their most notorious adversaries—stones and other hard particles. Traditionally, these unwanted elements have been dealt with using large-scale equipment designed for industrial mills or roasteries. However, a team of researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design has devised a compact, innovative approach tailored for smaller settings such as cafes or coffee shops.

This new method relies on an ingenious combination of sound detection and advanced signal processing. Strategically placed microphones inside the grinder capture its acoustic profile while it is in operation. Using a technique known as empirical mode decomposition (EMD), complex sounds are dissected into simpler components, allowing the system to identify the unique noise patterns produced by stones amidst the regular grinding process. To ensure real-time analysis, the technology incorporates field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), which offer both efficiency and affordability ideal for small businesses.

According to Teo Tee Hui, a member of the research team, this system excels at recognizing even the subtlest stone-related sounds, regardless of surrounding noise. The ongoing refinement aims to improve detection accuracy for smaller fragments that might be harder to distinguish from coffee beans themselves. By preventing damage to grinders, this innovation not only enhances equipment longevity but also streamlines operations within the coffee industry, fostering greater sustainability and efficiency across the board.