By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) has developed an innovative robotic apple picker that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to select and harvest the ripest apples, addressing labour shortages in orchards.
This cutting-edge technology is a result of a partnership between MSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). By improving the speed and quality of apple picking, this robotic system is set to revolutionize the apple orchard industry.
Led by MSU's Zhaojian Li and USDA's Renfu Lu, the project was initiated to solve rising labour costs and shortages in fruit picking. The first prototype, developed in 2021, has since been enhanced with new AI and engineering technology.
The robotic picker now uses an RGB-D camera that captures both the colour and location of apples on the tree. The AI system processes these images to identify ripe apples, which are then gently picked using a silicone gripper and vacuum system.
Currently, the robot picks an apple every 3.6 seconds, equating to around one ton of apples per day. While this is less than a human picker’s six-ton capacity, improvements in the robot’s speed and accuracy are ongoing, with commercial testing in orchards expected soon.
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Innovation Hub for AgBio is co-funding the project with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to boost the robot's efficiency.
A new $3.5 million USDA-funded project will further enhance the technology over the next four years, allowing the robotic system to be used not only in Michigan but also in other major apple-producing states.
This AI-powered robotic picker has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of apple harvesting, supporting local orchards and the broader apple industry across the U.S.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, General