Robots for harvesting of horticultural crop: A review
Harvesting fruits by robots
Keywords:
Robotics, automation, Agriculture, Precision harvesting, Horticultural practicesAbstract
Robotics in horticulture is revolutionizing conventional agricultural methods, providing substantial enhancements in productivity, accuracy, and cost-efficiency. This analysis assesses the present status of robotic harvesting systems for horticulture crops, with a specific emphasis on progress, obstacles, and potential future developments. According to statistical data, the worldwide agricultural robot market was worth USD 4.6 billion in 2020. It is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% and reach USD 20.3 billion by 2026. Special emphasis is placed on the implementation of robots in the fruit picking industry, which is expected to see significant advantages as a result of manpower shortages and the requirement for accuracy. Presently, robotic systems are able to pick fruits at an average pace of 10-12 seconds per fruit, while maintaining an accuracy rate of 85-90%. Nevertheless, there are still obstacles to overcome in the adoption of this technology, including the significant upfront expenses, the current technological constraints in handling fragile fruits, and the requirement for enhanced integration of sensory and artificial intelligence capabilities. Future developments are expected to prioritize the enhancement of machine learning algorithms, the improvement of robotic dexterity, and the reduction of prices. The ultimate goal is to boost the rate of adoption of robotic systems in horticultural harvesting to more than 50% by 2030. This review emphasizes the capability of robotic harvesting to transform horticulture, by tackling important problems and facilitating the adoption of sustainable farming methods.
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