Cerrado Mineiro Cooperatives Revolutionise Coffee Production with AI and Automation

The Cerrado Mineiro region in Brazil is gaining recognition for its advanced and sustainable coffee production methods. The Cerrado Coffee Growers’ Cooperative (Expocacer) has launched an automated industrial production line for classifying specialty coffee beans. This system can process up to 3,600 kg of coffee per hour with 108 grain classification options.

Célio Barreto, Expocacer’s Innovation and Technology Manager, highlights that the automation system includes AI sensors for predictive maintenance, which has reduced maintenance costs by 20% and increased machinery availability by 10%. The cooperative’s facilities can produce up to 30,000 kg of coffee per hour.

Expocacer is advancing towards Industry 4.0, integrating AI, automation, IoT, and cloud computing to enhance productivity and efficiency. Operations and Logistics Director, Flávia Madureira, notes that AI and “digital twin” technologies are enabling virtual simulations to optimize layouts and processes.

Innovations in coffee production also include smart irrigation systems and machine learning for efficient water use. These technologies contribute to sustainability and meet consumer demands for transparency in the supply chain. The cooperative continues to seek new methods to enhance both production and sustainability in the coffee industry.