Tomorrow ... robots to harvest apples

American scientists want to develop robots to harvest apples.

In Washington state, the U.S. No. 1state  of apple production, a team of scientists from the WSA (Washington State University) is working on automated agricultural systems. The team received a grant of $ 548,000 to develop a technology of harvesting apples where robots can work side by side with humans.

Many problems are to be solved: First, the identification of fruits on a tree, simple for humans, extremely complex for a robot. A series of complicated algorithms to locate and identify fruits, fruits only, fruits in clusters and those masked by leaves. Then for the collection, which pressure to exercise? how to determine the best way to detach the fruit: to pull?to turn it and pull? pull by turning?

Scientists of WSA hope to present a prototype within 3 to 5 years.

source : science blog com, the grower com