Berry Harvesting Robot With 3D Targeting and Gentle Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic harvesting technologies are inadequate for delicately picking agricultural targets like berries due to difficulties in identifying and grasping them within foliage without damaging the plants.
Innovation Solution
A robotic harvesting system equipped with multiple cameras for three-dimensional mapping, a robotic arm with a vacuum assembly and padded spoons, and a computing device for target identification and navigation, allowing for semi-automated or automated picking of berries without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human pickers are used to harvest berries, then the harvesting can be done with care to avoid damage, but labor costs are high and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human mechanical picking system with an automated robotic system that uses computer vision for target identification and robotic arms with specialized end effectors for harvesting. The robotic system maintains careful handling through padded grippers and controlled motion while dramatically increasing productivity through automation and continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic harvesting system is self-sufficient, with integrated sensors for target detection, computer vision for identification, automated navigation for movement, and robotic arms for harvesting. The system operates autonomously without human intervention in the field, performing all harvesting functions independently while maintaining the care and precision previously provided only by human pickers.
2Productivity
If automated harvesting systems are introduced to increase productivity, then labor costs decrease, but the ability to carefully identify and handle delicate targets without damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical harvesting systems with an advanced robotic system that integrates computer vision, sensor data processing, and controlled robotic manipulation. The system uses multiple cameras and sensors to identify ripe targets, calculate their three-dimensional coordinates, and guide robotic arms with padded grippers to harvest carefully, maintaining reliability while achieving high productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic harvesting system divides the harvesting task into distinct functional segments: target detection by sensors, image processing and identification by computer vision algorithms, coordinate calculation by the control system, navigation by the mobile platform, and actual harvesting by the robotic arm with specialized end effectors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring both careful handling and high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and sensors are added for accurate target identification, then target detection precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic harvesting system employs multi-functional sensors and cameras that serve multiple purposes: identifying target location, determining ripeness, calculating three-dimensional coordinates, and guiding the robotic arm. The computer vision system processes images from multiple cameras to simultaneously achieve precise target detection, spatial mapping, and navigation, reducing the need for separate specialized components and managing system complexity through integrated multi-functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient, sanitary, and productive harvesting of berries by accurately identifying and removing targets from their stems, improving upon existing methods by reducing human labor and damage to plants.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum assembly with a compressor, hose, and padded spoons configured to remove the target from a target stem
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods here may include a vehicle with automated subcomponents for harvesting delicate items such as berries. In some examples, the vehicle includes a targeting subcomponent and a harvesting subcomponent. In some examples, the targeting subcomponent utilizes multiple cameras to create three-dimensional maps of foliage and targets. In some examples, identifying targets may be done remotely from the harvesting machine, and target coordinates communicated to the harvesting machine for robotic harvesting.