The most recent innovations have been reported regarding fruits and vegetables grading and sorting through non destructive analytical sensors. Specifically NIR Spectroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Electronic Nose, Firmness Acoustic Sensors, and some indications on Microsensors has been covered. For each of these investigation systems, the instrument itself, and the operational principle has been briefly described. The paper deal also with the most update applications in postharvest, referred to each single system. Therefore, with NIR Spettroscopy it is possible to determine the soluble solids content, dry matter, firmness, hardness, and in some cases internal injuries.. Electronic Nose can be useful to determine the maturation index, sensory features, and chilling injury. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging it is possible to detect structural changes and the development of diseases and disorders. Acoustic sensors give information regarding firmness, working with two principles: low mass impact or vibration frequency. Last but not least, microsensors are positively employed to monitor temperature, relative humidity, and some volatiles of interest for food quality and safety.
Keywords: NIR, electronic nose, MRI, acoustic sensors, mirosensors, horticultural crops