Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are developing a robotic system aimed at automating date palm harvesting. The project, led by KAUST Assistant Professor Shinkyu Park, focuses on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to support key tasks in date farming, including harvesting, pollination, and tree maintenance.
The initiative seeks to address labor-intensive challenges in date palm cultivation and improve productivity. Traditionally, date harvesting requires farmers to climb tall trees and manually cut fruit, relying on visual and tactile assessment to determine ripeness. The proposed robotic system is intended to carry out these processes using AI and sensor technologies, potentially reducing risks to human labor and ensuring consistency in harvest quality.
Saudi Arabia has a longstanding tradition of date farming, and dates remain a staple in the national diet. The sector is also economically significant, with the value of the Kingdom's date exports increasing by 10% year-on-year between 2022 and 2024.
The robotic system under development uses mechanical arms designed to mimic human movement while minimizing damage to the fruit. Equipped with high-precision visual sensors, the robots can detect individual dates, flowers, and tree structures to carry out tasks such as harvesting, spraying, and pruning. According to the research team, this could contribute to improved tree health and reduce the risk of pest infestations and disease.
The AI component allows the robots to improve performance over time through data collection and machine learning. Park described the system's intended development process as starting with basic functions and progressing toward more advanced capabilities through field experience.
Field trials are scheduled to begin during the 2025 harvest season. Full operational capability is expected within three years. Researchers are also considering a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model to make the technology accessible to smaller growers without requiring significant upfront investment.
The date farming project is part of broader research efforts at KAUST related to agriculture and food security. In late 2024, the National Center for Palms and Dates signed an agreement to provide SAR 100 million (approximately $25 million) in funding to support innovations in the sector.
Park noted that in addition to the technical applications, the project may offer research and training opportunities, contributing to workforce development and knowledge transfer in the agricultural sector.
The project continues to develop alongside other initiatives aimed at advancing agricultural automation and sustainability in the region.
For more information:
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Email: global.pr@kaust.edu.sa
www.kaust.edu.sa