An AI-powered robot developed in Abu Dhabi is transforming strawberry harvesting. Created by experts at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the robot identifies and picks ripe strawberries without damage, operating across environments from sunny fields to controlled greenhouses.
The 'Strawberry Picker' project is led by the robotics department at MBZUAI in collaboration with machine learning and computer vision experts. This initiative aims to aid farmers in reducing labor costs while maintaining productivity and fruit quality.
The robot employs advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and precision agriculture. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, it analyzes plants in real time, identifying ripe strawberries based on color, size, and shape. Machine learning algorithms ensure precise identification, distinguishing ripe fruits from unripe or damaged ones.
Once a ripe strawberry is detected, a robotic arm with a sensitive gripper picks the fruit without harm. The robot combines 'active perception' with manipulation capabilities, adjusting its position or grip based on environmental factors like light, obstructions, or wind-induced plant movement. Autonomous navigation allows the robot to move efficiently across rows of plants, optimizing its route and avoiding obstacles through AI-powered pathfinding algorithms.
Professor Dezhen Song, deputy department chair of robotics at MBZUAI, stated, "MBZUAI's expertise in robotics, computer vision, and machine learning ensures that these robots can operate with remarkable precision and adaptability, mimicking the care and attention of human laborers but at a faster and more efficient rate," as reported by Gulf News.
Core contributors to the project include professors Ivan Laptev and Hao Li, along with a multidisciplinary team of AI engineers, roboticists, and agricultural scientists. They address challenges in precision agriculture, offering several advantages over traditional farming methods.
The AI-driven robot enhances precision, reduces waste, minimizes plant damage, and increases crop yields. It operates continuously, offering consistent performance without the need for overtime. Automation lowers labor costs and addresses labor shortages. The modular design allows adaptation to different crops, making it scalable for various farming environments.
The robot can also be adapted for other crops like tomatoes, apples, or bell peppers. Professor Song explained, "Its advanced sensors allow the robot to adjust to different lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight or low indoor lighting in greenhouses. The hardware is built to withstand environmental challenges, including varying temperatures, humidity, and dust. The AI models can be fine-tuned for specific environments, ensuring optimal performance in outdoor fields, indoor vertical farms, or polyhouse settings."
Source: Gulf News