In Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its leading position in grape production in Japan, a new farming-support robot has been introduced. Developed by researchers from the University of Yamanashi, the robot aims to mitigate the labour challenges posed by Japan's ageing population. The demonstration, attended by approximately 100 spectators including local grape farmers, showcased the robot's capabilities. Utilizing GPS and a camera, the robot identifies grape bunches and trims excess grapes using its robotic arms. However, the demonstration also highlighted some operational challenges, such as the robot's tendency to circle repeatedly without locating clusters and occasionally removing more grapes than intended.
A local grape producer commented on the precision required for thinning grapes, a task currently challenging to delegate to robotic assistance. Despite a desire to utilize such technology, the producer noted the robot's success rate was about 50-50, indicating a need for further refinement. Professor Mao Xiaoyang, leading the research team, acknowledged the gap in smart technology application within fruit farming and emphasized the ongoing development to enhance the robot's practicality for agricultural use.
Source: www3.nhk.or.jp