A novel method of utilizing a smartphone to assess the freshness of milk has been introduced by Australian scientists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The device, called VibMilk, uses the inertial measuring unit (IMU) and vibration motor present in the majority of smartphones to detect if milk has gone bad without opening the container.
Reducing the waste of about 20% of dairy products worldwide is a major issue in dairy consumption that VibMilk tackles. Milk is typically tested for spoiling by opening the package and tasting or smelling it, which exposes the milk to germs and accelerates the process. VibMilk is a non-invasive substitute that yields incredibly accurate readings while maintaining the quality of the milk.
The technology analyzes the physical changes in milk as it spoils, including shifts in density, viscosity, and surface tension. These changes affect how milk responds to vibrations. When the smartphone’s vibration motor sends signals through the milk, VibMilk captures and analyzes them using machine learning algorithms to classify the milk’s freshness across 23 pH levels.
Testing on four common smartphone models revealed that VibMilk could predict milk pH with 98.35% accuracy and achieved 100% accuracy in identifying fresh milk. This impressive performance highlights its potential as a practical solution for households and retailers alike.
Unlike previous methods that required expensive equipment or worked only with transparent containers, VibMilk leverages everyday smartphone hardware, making it accessible and cost-effective.
This advancement also challenges the reliability of “best-by” dates, which are often imprecise. Milk spoilage depends on factors like storage and transportation, meaning VibMilk can offer real-time freshness checks, minimizing waste and reducing the risk of food poisoning.
To refine the technology further, researchers are exploring how different packaging materials affect vibration signals, paving the way for broader applications in the food industry. VibMilk could soon become an indispensable tool for smarter, more sustainable consumption.