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New autonomous robotic technology developed by Monash University researchers has the potential to become the ‘apple of my eye’ for Australia’s food industry as it deals with labour shortages and an increased demand for fresh produce.
A research team, led by Dr Chao Chen in Monash University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, has developed an autonomous harvesting robot capable of identifying, picking and depositing apples in as little as seven seconds at full capacity.
Following extensive trials in February and March at Fankhauser Apples in Drouin, Victoria, the robot was able to harvest more than 85 per cent of all reachable apples in the canopy as identified by its vision system.