New wireless technology gives fruit ripeners real-time visibility of generator status, Ethy-Gen II levels and ethylene production
Catalytic Generators is gearing up for the launch of its new wireless generation of SmartRipe, a connected ethylene monitoring and control solution designed to give commercial fruit ripeners greater visibility and control over ethylene application.
Available worldwide in early 2027, SmartRipe will enable operators to remotely monitor and manage Catalytic Generators’ ethylene generators across their facilities.
Developed to make a critical stage of commercial fruit ripening easier to monitor, SmartRipe wirelessly connects Catalytic Generators’ ethylene generators to a secure cloud-based platform, accessible through a smartphone app or web browser. From a single interface, operators can see generator operating status and settings in real time, confirm when ethylene application starts, ends or is interrupted, check Ethy-Gen II reservoir levels and current ethylene conversion rates, and receive alerts via the app, text or email if a problem occurs.
“Ripeners shouldn’t have to physically check a ripening room to know that ethylene application is on target,” said Greg Akins, president and CEO of Catalytic Generators. “SmartRipe gives them that visibility wherever they are. Information is power, and in this case, it removes uncertainty from a critical part of the ripening process and gives operators one less thing to worry about.”
From physical checks to remote visibility
Ethylene plays a key role in the commercial ripening of bananas, avocados and other tropical fruits. Until now, operators using Catalytic Generators who wanted to confirm that a generator was operating correctly needed to physically check the unit’s operation status light. Ripeners also like to see an empty Ethy-Gen II reservoir 24 hours after starting the generator to confirm that the process has been completed as expected.
SmartRipe brings this information together digitally and makes it accessible remotely. Operators can monitor all SmartRipe-equipped generators in a facility through a single interface, providing an overview of ethylene application without the need to visit each ripening room individually.
The system also allows users to change a generator’s ethylene production rate remotely. If an operational issue occurs, SmartRipe can alert designated users to conditions such as a generator failure or an empty Ethy-Gen II reservoir.
A further feature automatically identifies the ripening room in which a generator is operating. If an operator moves a generator – for example, from room 10 to room 30 – SmartRipe detects the change and automatically reports its new location in the application.
New wireless technology designed for the ripening environment
At the heart of SmartRipe is a new circuit board with wireless communication capabilities designed specifically for the conditions found in commercial ripening facilities.
Previous SmartRipe technology relied on hardwired connections, which limited its practicality because many ripening rooms do not have Ethernet connectivity. By utilising advanced sub-GHz LoRa technology, the new system is designed to transmit and receive generator information wirelessly through ripening-room walls and other obstacles commonly found in warehouse environments. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, which struggles to pierce the dense insulation and metal barriers of cold storage, LoRa’s longer wavelengths effortlessly penetrate these structures to ensure a reliable, uninterrupted connection.
“Now that it is wireless, we have been able to dream up everything we think would benefit a ripener with remote access to our equipment,” said Akins.
SmartRipe provides visibility of generator operation and ethylene application without requiring an ethylene sensor. Catalytic Generators can also work with ripening-room builders and control-system integrators to incorporate SmartRipe generator information into existing room controls. Where a facility uses reliable ethylene sensors, the integration can include automation of the generator’s ethylene production rate to help maintain the required ethylene level.
One platform across the facility
A single SmartRipe app or web-based platform can manage all compatible Catalytic Generators within a facility.
The technology will be available across Catalytic Generators’ full generator range, including Easy-Ripe, Auto-Ripe, Centralised Ripening System (CRS) and the company’s specialized Citrus Ethylene Generator. This enables the connected technology to support applications ranging from standard fruit ripening rooms to large multi-room operations and low-level ethylene applications for citrus degreening.
SmartRipe can also be retrofitted to older Catalytic Generators units, although the company recommends newer units to obtain the maximum benefit from the technology.
Building connectivity into simple ethylene application
SmartRipe builds on Catalytic Generators’ long-standing approach of making ethylene application simple for commercial ripeners. Rather than changing the fundamentals of the company’s generator-based system, the technology adds greater visibility, connectivity and remote control around the process.
“Our goal is to make ripening as easy as possible, so the part we play is ethylene application,” Akins added. “SmartRipe takes that philosophy into a connected environment. Remote visibility, control and alerts give ripeners peace of mind and greater confidence in the process, while also allowing SmartRipe to integrate with modern ripening room control systems.”
SmartRipe will be available worldwide in early 2027, with the same system offered in all markets.
