February 12, 2026 – Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduces its new automatic defect removal system for potato strips – ADR® X – at Interpack Hall 6 / B73. ADR systems identify defects on wet potato strips and precisely trim only the affected areas so more usable product can be recovered, helping processors increase yield and maximize profitability. Now featuring enhanced multi-spectral sensing, an updated mechanical architecture and more, the next-generation ADR X delivers superior defect detection with simple operation and reliable performance in continuous, high-capacity production environments.
“Potato quality isn’t consistent, but processors still need consistent results. Meanwhile, the gap between variability in raw material and customer expectations for the finished product keeps widening. At the same time, hygiene requirements are greater, skilled labor is harder to find and facilities are running longer production cycles,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President – Food Sorting and Handling. “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.”
Building upon the field-proven technology of Key’s previous-generation ADR systems, ADR X aligns, singulates, inspects and trims both peeled and peel-on wet potato strips of various cut sizes.
ADR X introduces a series of new capabilities including multi-channel sensing with advanced LED lighting and strobing for accurate identification of challenging product defects such as green discoloration. Multiple images of each strip are captured under different wavelengths and combined to create clear separation between the product and background, facilitating precise trimming decisions. A true-color user interface delivers clear visualization and intuitive operation.
The newly developed ADR X design maximizes hygienic operation in wet processing environments. The system architecture eliminates activity above the product stream, reduces flat surfaces and integrates clean-in-place functionality to protect product quality, simplify cleaning and meet stringent sanitation requirements. Bearings and other key components are positioned for easy access to speed maintenance and support uptime in demanding production environments.
ADR X features recipe-driven conveying and alignment mechanics that automatically adjust based on the selected cut size. Lane profiles and strip positioning are set via the user interface, allowing the system to respond to different strip dimensions without manual tuning and supporting repeatable performance across product changeovers. New endless, reinforced belts reduce belt stretch over time, eliminate the need for in-field welding and allow belt replacement to be completed up to five times faster, which reduces replacement frequency and streamlines belt maintenance.
To maintain precise trimming as recipes change, the conveyor belt and cutter-wheel operate with independent drives. The cutter-wheel automatically repositions itself based on the selected cut size, allowing defects to be trimmed accurately while maintaining proper alignment throughout production.
Setup and maintenance tasks are further simplified through single-point adjustment mechanisms for brushes and finger racks, which reduces setup complexity and speeds changeovers.
ADR X is available as a plug-and-play system that fits within a standard shipping container to support efficient delivery and on-site setup. For processors operating existing potato strip lines, ADR X can be installed as a direct replacement for previous-generation ADR 5 systems without requiring significant layout changes.
Key supports its customers worldwide through an extensive sales network and its global service team. For more information on Key’s ADR X automatic defect removal system and its optical sorters, visit www.key.net/en/our-products/sorting/.About Key Technology
Key Technology is a global leader in the design and manufacture of automation systems including optical sorters, conveyors and other processing equipment. Applying processing knowledge and application expertise, Key helps customers in the food processing and other industries improve quality, increase yield and reduce cost. Key manufactures its products in Walla Walla, Washington, USA; Redmond, Oregon, USA; and in Beusichem, the Netherlands. Key offers customer demonstration and testing services at four locations including Walla Walla and Beusichem as well as Hasselt, Belgium and Sacramento, California, USA. Key is a Duravant Company. For more information, visit www.key.net.
About Duravant
Duravant is a global leader in advanced automation solutions operating across the food processing, packaging and material handling industries. Founded on more than a century of expertise, Duravant delivers performance-driven technologies, integrated systems and full lifecycle services that drive productivity, efficiency and safety for the world’s producers and movers of high demand goods. The company serves a broad range of essential end markets including food & beverage, agriculture, consumer and industrial goods, e-commerce and logistics. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, and serving customers in more than 190 countries, Duravant unites a portfolio of leading brands under a shared commitment to quality, innovation and customer success. Duravant’s market-leading brands are synonymous with innovation, durability and reliability. For more information, visit www.duravant.com.
Lene Boes
Key Technology
Bedrijfsstraat 6b
B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium
Tel: +32 490 49 01 70
lboes@key.net
www.key.net
Buffy Hagerman
Key Technology
150 Avery Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA
Tel: +1 509 540 7415
bhagerman@key.net
www.key.net
Cat McBride
McBride Public Relations
527 27th Street
Richmond, CA 94804 USA
Tel: +1 650 384 5727
connect@mcbridepr.com
www.mcbridepr.com