Mosquito Sex Sorting With Imaging and Robotic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current sex sorting methods for mosquitoes are labor-intensive and costly, especially when scaling up for large areas, as they require manual handling and sorting of pupae, which is inefficient and results in high operational costs due to the need for large labor forces and potential collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes using imaging and a robot arm to classify and sort mosquitoes when they are in a stationary phase, either during emergence from the pupa stage or when cooled, allowing for precise identification and removal or storage of male and female mosquitoes using a trained neural network and a robot arm equipped with suction or zapping devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and sorting of pupae is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but operational costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated system combining imaging technology and robotic manipulation. The robot arm with suction device automatically picks and places pupae based on image classification, eliminating manual labor while maintaining sorting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the robot arm autonomously performs the sorting task without continuous human intervention. The integration of imaging and robotic control creates a self-operating system that handles the entire sorting process automatically.
2Measurement precision
If adult mosquitoes are sorted after emergence, then classification accuracy improves, but mosquitoes may move or fly away during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs imaging and classification immediately upon mosquito emergence, capturing the classification data before the mosquitoes become fully active. This preliminary action ensures accurate sex identification while the mosquitoes are still relatively stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic tracking of mosquito positions during the sorting process. The robot arm adjusts its movements in real-time to account for mosquito motion, maintaining reliable sorting despite the dynamic nature of emerging insects.
3Extent of automation
If sorting is performed at the pupa stage based on weight and size, then automation is easier, but collateral damage increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sorting methods that cause physical damage with a non-contact imaging and robotic suction system. The suction device gently picks up pupae without the physical contact and crushing that occurs in mechanical sorting systems, eliminating collateral damage to male mosquitoes.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system serves as an intermediary between the pupae and the robotic suction device. Images provide precise location and identification information, enabling the robot to target specific pupae for removal without random mechanical contact that would cause collateral damage.
4Productivity
If manual transfer of pupa to release boxes is performed, then handling precision is maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables continuous sorting operation without the interruptions inherent in manual processing. The robot arm can continuously pick and place pupae at high speed, maintaining uninterrupted workflow and significantly increasing daily production capacity compared to batch manual sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time-consuming manual transfer operation and replaces it with automated robotic manipulation. The robot arm performs the transfer function that previously required human hands, eliminating the time loss associated with manual dexterity limitations and enabling high-speed continuous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.