|
The dual-arm harvesting robot picking apples. (Photo by Renfu Lu, ARS)
Dual-Arm Robot Can Save Time and Labor Costs
Labor cost for apple production accounts for 56% to 65% of total production costs, based on the latest information from Michigan Apple Committee and Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, which are the first and second largest apple producers in the U.S. Harvesting labor is the single largest cost in production of apples and other tree fruits. Harvest automation technology is urgently needed to address the rising costs and growing shortage of labor for fruit production.
ARS researchers at the Sugarbeet and Bean Research Unit in collaboration with Michigan State University, both in East Lansing, MI, developed a new dual-arm harvesting robot, which incorporates the latest AI technology and innovative hardware for efficient picking of apples to save time and labor costs. Learn more...
The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.
|
