Autopickr Gus: Automated Asparagus Harvester

Description

Autopickr’s “Gus” represents a significant step forward in the agricultural technology sector, particularly for asparagus harvesting. This automated harvester combines advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision engineering to address the challenges faced by modern agriculture. Below, we delve deeper into the features and benefits of Gus, providing a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and the value it brings to the field.

Efficient Harvesting Technology

Gus is designed to operate autonomously, capable of navigating through asparagus fields with precision. Unlike traditional harvesters, Gus reduces the incidence of missed or dropped spears thanks to its advanced navigation system that employs ultra-wide band (UWB) technology for exact positioning. This allows for continuous operation throughout an eight-to-ten-hour shift, optimizing the harvesting window and reducing downtime.

Robotic Precision and Handling

The heart of Gus lies in its robotic arm and end effector, which mimic the dexterity of human hands. This design is crucial for handling delicate crops like asparagus, ensuring each spear is cut cleanly without any physical damage. The robotic arm is powered by simple yet effective mechanics—belts and pulleys driven by motors, which provide both reliability and ease of maintenance.

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 45kg
• Dimensions: Designed for easy navigation in fields and greenhouses
• Battery Life: Capable of running 8-10 hours on a single charge
• Navigation: Ultra-wide band (UWB) technology for precise positioning
• Vision System: Intel RealSense camera integrated with Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano for advanced image processing
• Harvesting Capacity: Onboard storage can accommodate up to 20kg of asparagus spears

AI-Driven Vision and Navigation

Gus leverages an Intel RealSense camera paired with a Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano to process visual data in real-time. This setup enhances the robot’s ability to detect asparagus spears, calculate the optimal cutting path, and adjust its approach based on the plant’s specific characteristics, such as cluster formation and spear orientation. The AI system ensures high accuracy in spear selection, significantly reducing waste and improving overall yield.

Adaptable and Scalable Solutions

The modular design of Gus allows for rapid adaptation to various agricultural environments and tasks. Beyond asparagus, the system can be adjusted for other crops like daffodils and even used in different settings such as vineyards, demonstrating the platform’s versatility and scalability. This adaptability ensures that Gus remains a valuable asset across different agricultural domains and can evolve with changing industry needs.

About Autopickr

Autopickr is a Cambridge-based company that has rapidly positioned itself at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The firm was born from a collaboration of experts formerly associated with ST Robotics, bringing decades of robotic development expertise to the agricultural sector. Autopickr’s commitment to sustainable and efficient farming solutions drives its continued innovation in robotic harvesting technology.

Please visit: Autopickr’s website for more information.