Working in a greenhouse is no easy task. The strenuous labor and long hours can take a toll on even the most dedicated workers. But now, a new solution is emerging that could alleviate some of the strain on human pickers and revolutionize the industry.
Meet the picking robot from ETH spin-off Floating Robotics. This innovative machine is currently undergoing testing at Beerstecher AG in Hinwil, Switzerland, and it promises to automate crucial tasks such as defoliating, harvesting, and boxing vegetables.
The work in the greenhouse at Beerstecher AG is demanding, to say the least. With humidity levels reaching 80 percent and temperatures soaring up to 35 degrees Celsius, it’s no wonder that workers often find themselves exhausted. The family business in Hinwil has been facing a significant challenge in finding and retaining suitable labor for its vegetable harvests.
That’s where the picking robot comes in. By taking on repetitive and strenuous activities, it allows employees to focus on more demanding tasks that require a creative and critical mindset. Bianca Curcio, responsible for production management in the Beerstecher greenhouse and an ETH Zurich alumna, explains the benefits of this new technology.
But the picking robot is not just a temporary solution. Although still in the pilot phase, Curcio anticipates that it will play a permanent role in Beerstecher AG’s production process. Developed by engineers and students from the Robotic Systems Lab (RSL) at ETH Zurich, the robot is the brainchild of Salman Faraji. In 2023, Faraji and his team established the spin-off Floating Robotics with the aim of bringing this groundbreaking technology to the market.
Equipped with an integrated camera, the picking robot can monitor the crops and, with the assistance of its built-in computer, recognize different plants and objects. Its robotic arm is activated to perform specific tasks like de-leafing or harvesting. This level of automation not only increases efficiency but also reduces the physical strain on workers.
The implications of this technology are significant. With the picking robot, greenhouse operators like Beerstecher AG can overcome the labor shortage challenge and ensure a consistent supply of fresh produce. By automating repetitive tasks, workers can focus on more complex and intellectually stimulating work, ultimately enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.
Furthermore, this development in agritech could have broader implications for the industry as a whole. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food increases. Automation in agriculture can help meet this demand while minimizing the impact on the environment. By reducing the need for manual labor and optimizing resource usage, greenhouse operations can become more sustainable and efficient.
The picking robot from Floating Robotics represents a significant step forward in the agricultural industry. While still in the pilot phase, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow and harvest crops. With its ability to automate repetitive tasks and alleviate the strain on human pickers, this technology could pave the way for a more sustainable and productive future in agriculture.