Near-infrared analysis for in-line testing of capsules for the pharmaceutical industry

A novel electronic system is presented for 100% in-line testing of capsules in high-speed packaging machines for the pharmaceutical industry. The system exploits transmission analysis of near-infrared radiation and works at a speed compatible with production throughput of tens of parts per second. A prototype of the system has been realized and validated with pharmaceutical products. The presented solution, however, can be used in other contexts, such as, in particular, food production and small-part manufacturing.