Platypus machine billed as the future of grain and cereal imaging

“But then I thought ‘why are we scared about sounding Australian?’. We know we’ve got world-leading technology, so we decided to stick with Platypus and own the fact we’re an Australian invention competing on the global stage.”

Inspecting grains to confirm value and assess biosecurity risk has traditionally been carried out by humans, but the likelihood and cost of errors is a challenge the industry has been attempting to mitigate for some time.

The Platypus system produces high resolution images of individual grains and processes them using deep learning technologies to detect factors imperceptible to the human eye.

As Martin explains, this has far-reaching implications.

“We’re moving into a whole new area of analysing the infrared range, the UV range, and collecting data we haven’t had access to before.

“People have been looking for the holy grail to replace the falling number process for a long time, and it turns out this technology might be the answer.”

The modular design of Platypus means it can incorporate newly emerging technologies such as short-wave infrared (SWIR) and hyperspectral imaging systems, as well as future developing technologies.

The calibration file which forms the core of the system is designed to be updated on a routine basis, making Platypus highly reproducible no matter where it is deployed in the field.

Indyn Co-Founder, Mike Nolan, said Platypus is not just designed to solve today’s problems.

“There are new technologies emerging all the time and we have the expertise and capability to take advantage of these as they develop,” said Mike.

“It was originally designed with the grains and cereals industries in mind, but the ability to handle lentils, chickpeas and several other crops is also under development.

“Platypus also lends itself to alternative crops such as tree nuts, coffee, some berries and fruits. We’re committed to the ongoing development and deployment of this technology.”

Venture capitalists and strategic partners now have the opportunity to become involved with the expanding global reach of Platypus.

Indyn is on the hunt for partners committed to the grains industry, with a particular interest in biosecurity and bulk trading.

“We’ve self-funded everything up until now, because we wanted to make sure the technology was fully developed before reaching for market penetration,” said Rob. “It’s just Mike and me right now, but we’re at the point where expansion is the next logical step, both in terms of business partners and more staff.

“We’d love someone to come onboard with experience in the grains industry, and a fire in the belly to get involved in what we’re building here.

“We honestly think we’re on the verge of spearheading a whole new industry. “We’re not looking at being the little Aussie battlers that eke out a two per cent share of the market – we’ve got the technology to be global leaders.”

For more on Indyn’s investment opportunity visit grow^AG..