Food production technology: innovation for safer global health
When we talk about health, we usually think of hospitals or medicines. However, one of the most important pillars of the world of health, in the One Health approach, is in an area that directly affects the entire population: food production.
Human health, animal health and the sustainability of the planet are deeply connected throughout the food chain. In a world where the demand for protein is growing and health risks are globalizing, technology becomes a key tool to ensure safer, more efficient and responsible systems.
Food production: a sanitary and global challenge
The agri-food industry faces enormous challenges in the coming decades. Some data clearly reflect this:
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60% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin., i.e., they are transmitted from animals to humans.
- By 2050, it is estimated that it will be necessary to produce an additional 70% of animal protein to feed the world's population.
- In the United States, approximately one third of food is wasted, This is an economic, environmental and health challenge.
- In 2024 alone, meat and poultry production in the U.S. will reach 107.6 billion pounds, showing the scale of the system.
These data make it clear that innovation in food production is not just an industrial issue: it is a matter of public health and global sustainability.
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How is technology transforming this sector?
Digitalization in food production is driven by three major needs:
Biosafety and prevention
Disease prevention in animal production environments is critical to avoid health crises and protect both animals and humans.
This includes technologies such as:
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immersive training in healthcare protocols
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outbreak simulations
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data-driven predictive platforms
Risk-free specialized training
Many production environments do not allow free access to students or unauthorized personnel. Virtual Reality and digital twins allow teams to be trained without compromising biosecurity or disrupting operations.
Industrial innovation and sustainable efficiency
Food production also needs to be more efficient, automated and sustainable. Digital tools can optimize processes, reduce waste and improve traceability.
Case studies: technology applied to food health
At Imascono Health we have been working for years on projects that connect technological innovation, biosafety and training in the agri-food sector. Three outstanding examples show how technology can generate real impact:
Virtual Experience Veterinary: immersive training in biosecurity
One of the biggest challenges in poultry production in the United States is the strict sanitary regulations. Biosecurity protocols prevent veterinary students from accessing farms during their training.
To solve this barrier, we developed Virtual Experience Veterinary, a Virtual Reality experience created in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim and with support from the USDA.
The objective was not only to train, but to do it in a completely safe environment: recreating a real poultry farm, with all the steps, protocols, decisions and procedures that a professional must follow.
In this way, technology makes it possible to prepare future veterinarians without endangering either the animals or the production system.
OVO Xtractor: digital twins for industrial innovation
Food production also requires innovation in machinery and industrial processes. However, these technologies are often difficult to demonstrate or explain in person, especially in international markets.
That is why we developed OVO Xtractor, an interactive digital twin designed to showcase and explain advanced machinery through virtual environments, AR and VR.
This type of solution allows:
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remote demonstrations
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specialized technical training
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clear understanding of industrial operation
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global scalability without displacement
The innovation here is not only in the format, but in how technology transfer is accelerated within a highly technical sector.
CEVA Velactis: digital training on animal health and welfare
In dairy farming, animal health and welfare are critical. New products and protocols require precise training for professionals and teams in the field.
In projects such as CEVA Velactis, immersive technology becomes an important tool to improve learning and ensure that procedures are correctly applied, reducing errors and enhancing animal welfare.
These solutions transform technical content into experiences that are accessible, practical and aligned with industry standards.
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The future of food production
Food production is one of the scenarios where the One Health concept, the global vision of health, makes the most sense. Disease prevention, biosecurity training for health professionals, sustainable efficiency and animal welfare are inseparable elements of global health.
Technology - when applied with rigor and purpose - allows us to move towards safer, more responsible systems that are prepared for the challenges of the future.
At Imascono Health we continue to work on immersive solutions, digital twins and smart tools that connect industry, science and wellness.
Because innovation in food production is also innovation in human, animal and environmental health.