FreshSense Key is a compact, portable fruit-quality assessment device designed to help consumers evaluate the ripeness, freshness, and sweetness of fruits before purchase or consumption. The invention addresses the difficulty of determining the internal quality of fruits through external appearance alone, which may result in the purchase of underripe or overripe produce and contribute to food waste.

The device utilises Near-Infrared (NIR) sensing technology to assess fruit quality without cutting or damaging the fruit. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of portable NIR spectroscopy for predicting soluble solids content and classifying the maturity of intact watermelons through their rind.

FreshSense Key features a keychain-style design incorporating an NIR sensing module, processing unit, visual indicator, control button, rechargeable battery, and keyring attachment. The device is intended to connect to a smartphone application through Bluetooth technology.

During operation, the user places the sensing end of FreshSense Key against the surface of a fruit and activates the scanning function. The device emits selected NIR wavelengths, proposed at 850 nm and 940 nm, towards the fruit surface. The reflected optical signals are captured by the sensor and transmitted to the processing unit for analysis. The collected data may be processed using an artificial intelligence-assisted model to estimate selected fruit-quality indicators.

The results are presented through the device's visual indicator or a connected smartphone application, providing users with information about the fruit's estimated ripeness, sweetness, or freshness. The proposed system aims to offer a convenient and non-destructive alternative to traditional fruit-quality assessment methods based on visual inspection, physical handling, or cutting the fruit open.

With its compact design and portable functionality, FreshSense Key is intended to support informed fruit-selection and consumption decisions. The invention may also contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 12 by promoting responsible consumption and helping reduce avoidable food waste.