Automated Plant Module Transfer With Optical Viability Screening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural systems lack an efficient method for automating the transfer of plants within facilities, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization and plant growth management, as plants outgrow their initial modules but require different densities for optimal growth stages.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses autonomous loaders and robotic manipulators to transfer plants from modules of higher density to those of lower density, utilizing optical scans to assess plant viability and size, and a controller to manage the transfer process, ensuring plants are moved based on predetermined viability parameters and growth stage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual transfer methods are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the agricultural facility into multiple grow areas with different plant density requirements. Plants are segmented into growth stages and transferred between modules corresponding to different growth phases. The transfer process itself is segmented into discrete steps: optical scanning for viability assessment, robotic gripper engagement, lifting, transport, and placement in target modules.
Solution Approach 2:
A robotic manipulator with specialized end effectors serves as an intermediary between source and destination modules. The robotic system includes a base, articulated arms, and grippers that interface with plant containers. Optical sensors and cameras act as intermediaries to assess plant viability before transfer decisions are made.
2Area of stationary object
If plants are kept at high density throughout growth, then space utilization is maximized, but plant health and growth quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts plant density throughout the growth cycle. Young plants are grown at high density in initial modules, then progressively transferred to modules with lower density as they mature. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes both space utilization and plant health at different growth stages, with the robotic system enabling flexible redistribution of plants based on their current size and health status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optical scanning and viability assessment of plants before transfer decisions are made. This preliminary evaluation ensures that only healthy plants are selected for transfer to lower-density modules, while unhealthy plants are identified and handled differently. The system also pre-configures target modules with appropriate spacing before plants arrive.
3Productivity
If automated transfer systems are implemented, then labor requirements are reduced, but system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple plant types and module configurations. The end effectors can adapt to different container sizes and plant characteristics. The optical scanning system can assess various plant species and growth stages using the same hardware platform, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each plant type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where optical sensors monitor plant viability, growth status, and module occupancy in real-time. This feedback informs transfer decisions, allowing the system to adapt its operations based on actual plant conditions rather than following rigid pre-programmed sequences. The feedback mechanism enables the system to optimize transfer timing and target module selection dynamically.
4Reliability
If plants are transferred frequently between modules, then optimal growth conditions are maintained, but time loss during transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by having multiple robotic manipulators working in parallel and by pre-positioning target modules before plants arrive. Transfer operations are scheduled to minimize idle time, with the system continuously assessing plant conditions and initiating transfers at optimal moments. The robotic system can operate without interruption, immediately picking up plants as they become ready for transfer.
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
This system enhances space efficiency by optimizing plant growth stages, allowing for higher plant density per area and automating the transfer process, ensuring only healthy plants are transferred, thereby improving overall facility throughput and plant quality.
Implementation Method 1
recording an optical scan of the first module; and extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the optical scan
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method for automating transfer of plants within an agricultural facility includes: dispatching a loader to autonomously deliver a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants at a first growth stage—from a first grow location within an agricultural facility to a transfer station within the agricultural facility; dispatching the loader to autonomously deliver a second module—defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density and empty of plants—to the transfer station; recording a module-level optical scan of the first module; extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the module-level optical scan; and if the viability parameter falls outside of a target viability range, rejecting transfer of the first set of plants from the first module.