Thursday, Jun. 18, 2009

Harvest helpers: Robots tested in citrus orchards

Robots may soon be harvesting fruit in California citrus orchards. A San Diego firm has already developed two prototypes. One with cameras mounted on multiple arms takes pictures of the fruit. This scout robot makes a map and a plan for picking, which is transmitted to the picking robot. Both robots could be ready for use within the next five years. One advantage is the robots could work both day and night. The Citrus Research Board has been working with the company developing the robots.