PHOTOS: FFROBOTICS


PHOTOS: CERESCON


HARVEST ROBOTS CATALOGUE ▶▶▶ Cerescon Sparter autonomous asparagus harvester


Manufacturer: Cerescon (Netherlands) Robot(s): Sparter Task(s): harvesting white asparagus Development start: 2014 Description: Crops grown in traditional beds are harvested using a patented detection system that locates asparagus spears up to 10cm below the surface rather than after emergence, reducing the risk of tips being discoloured by light exposure. As it is selective by length, the ‘cut and lift’ picking system can reduce the harvesting cycle to once every two and a half to three days. The Sparter self-steers along the bed at a variable speed whihc is determined by the quantity of harvest-ready asparagus. Availability: in the Netherlands, Germany and other European markets; € 350,000 or on lease. Developments: A more compact version for mini-tunnels is planned for 2022.


FFRobotics FFRobot apple harvester


Manufacturer: FFRobotics (Israel) Robot(s): FFRobot Task(s): apple picking Development start: 2015 Description: This self-navigating harvester has six linear extending rods, each side stacked in three layers, with AI electronics detecting ripe fruit within the foliage using sensors on the machine and emu- lating human hand-eye co-ordination. The rods carry a three-fingered manipulator to grasp and pull with a twisting action before dropping the fruit into a bag. Apple trees should preferably be planted in a high-density two-dimensional structure or trimmed so that the fruit grows on the outside. Availability: Purchase or lease in the United States, Israel and Europe. Developments: Bloom thinning and pruning are under develop- ment as well as interchangeable manipulators for other fruits.


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▶ FUTURE FARMING | 20 November 2020


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