When you’re enjoying a bowl of rice or beans, have you ever given any thought to how they have been sorted out? Well, year 5 knows! Chances are, they were sorted out by a Buhler Optical sorting machine. We visited Buhler in Gallions Reach to learn about the design and engineering challenges of these incredible machines, which use cameras and computer technology to scan each individual grain of rice (or other foods) for defects, blemishes or discolourations, and quickly separate any that don’t meet the standard! Who knew there was so much advanced technology hiding behind a simple bowlful of rice?!