Artificial intelligence is gradually entering post-harvest grain processing technologies. British engineering company Perry of Oakley, which also operates in the Ukrainian market, is beginning to integrate AI into its grain dryer software. According to company co-owner David Perry, this area has become particularly important over the past 18 months. AI is already being used in colour sorters and grain analysis systems, while dryer automation is becoming the next stage of development.
One of the main objectives is more accurate grain moisture control. Traditionally, an operator takes wet and dry grain samples several times an hour, analyses them and manually adjusts the operating speed of the dryer. The automated Grain Sentry system can perform a significant part of this process without constant human intervention. As a result, in some cases only one or two employees may be required to operate an entire grain handling facility.
Accurate control also has a direct economic impact. Over-drying grain by just 1% effectively means approximately 1% less product by weight available for sale. Automated drying control can therefore help reduce energy consumption while preventing unnecessary losses of marketable grain. AI is also being applied to quality analysis: a modern system can assess around 30 physical characteristics of grain in approximately 30 seconds, including admixture, broken kernels and insect damage.
These technologies are particularly relevant for Ukraine because of the heavy workload placed on grain handling equipment. According to Perry, a Ukrainian grain dryer may process two to three times more grain during the harvest season than a comparable unit in the United Kingdom. Automation, energy efficiency and precise drying control could therefore become key areas for the modernisation of Ukrainian grain storage facilities. The broader industry is moving toward integrated systems in which software manages the entire process — from grain intake and quality analysis to drying, conveying and storage.