interpack 2026: Key Technology’s ADR X boosts potato strip profitability

Key Technology has introduced the latest evolution of its automatic defect removal technology with the launch of ADR X, a next‑generation system designed to help potato processors increase yield, improve product quality and maximise profitability.

The new platform, to be showcased at interpack (Hall 6 / B73), brings major advances in sensing, hygiene, automation and maintenance to support high‑capacity potato strip production.

Part of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, Key says ADR X has been engineered in response to mounting pressures across global processing — from inconsistent raw material quality to rising hygiene demands and labour shortages.

“Potato quality isn’t consistent, but processors still need consistent results,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group president – Food Sorting and Handling. “The gap between variability in raw material and customer expectations keeps widening. At the same time, hygiene requirements are greater, skilled labour is harder to find and facilities are running longer production cycles. As the long‑time leader in automatic defect removal technology, Key redesigned its popular ADR system from the ground up with the new ADR X to address these mounting pressures.”

Enhanced sensing and precision trimming

Building on the company’s established ADR platform, ADR X aligns, singulates, inspects and trims both peeled and peel‑on wet potato strips across a range of cut sizes. The new system introduces multi‑channel sensing with advanced LED lighting and strobing, enabling more accurate identification of challenging defects such as green discolouration.

Multiple images of each strip are captured under different wavelengths and combined to create clearer separation between product and background, improving trimming accuracy. A true‑colour user interface provides intuitive visualisation and simplified operation for line teams.

Hygienic design for wet processing environments

ADR X has been re‑engineered to meet stringent sanitation requirements. The updated architecture eliminates activity above the product stream, reduces flat surfaces and integrates clean‑in‑place functionality. Bearings and other key components are positioned for easy access, supporting faster maintenance and improved uptime.

Automation for faster changeovers

The system features recipe‑driven conveying and alignment mechanics that automatically adjust to different cut sizes. Lane profiles and strip positioning can be set via the user interface, eliminating manual tuning and ensuring repeatable performance across product changeovers.

New endless, reinforced belts reduce stretch, remove the need for in‑field welding and allow belt replacement up to five times faster — a significant advantage for processors running long production cycles.

To maintain precise trimming as recipes change, the conveyor belt and cutter‑wheel operate with independent drives, with the cutter‑wheel automatically repositioning based on cut size.

Single‑point adjustment mechanisms for brushes and finger racks further simplify setup and maintenance.

Plug‑and‑play installation

ADR X is available as a plug‑and‑play system that fits within a standard shipping container for efficient delivery and installation. For processors already running Key’s ADR 5 systems, ADR X can be installed as a direct replacement without major layout changes.

Key Technology supports the system through its global sales and service network.