New 3D laser scanner makes harvesting robots smarter
Researchers from the German universities of Würzburg and Potsdam have developed a new 3D laser scanner. This scanner helps harvesting robots to very precisely “see” and evaluate plants and fruits.
According to Top agrar, the scanner works with three colors of light: green, red, and near-infrared. Green and red light are mainly used to capture the shape and structure of the plant. Near-infrared penetrates deeper into the plant or fruit and is used to determine physiological properties, such as the water content in fruits or leaves.
Detailed 3D model
By measuring the reflection of the light on the leaf or stem, the scanner can quickly create a detailed 3D model. With this technology, the researcher or grower can determine exactly whether the plant has enough water, whether the fruit is ripe, and whether everything is growing as desired.
The goal of the scanner is to optimize the sensor technology of harvesting robots. This is necessary to increase, among other things, the functionality, safety, and reliability of these machines. Many companies and research teams are currently working on harvesting robots, which are ultimately intended to take over a large share of human labor.
Workers disappearing
The development of robots is a response to the structural shortage of seasonal labor in fruit growing and other horticultural and agricultural sectors. The expectation is that the demand for labor will continue to rise. Due to the strongly improved economic situation, workers from Eastern Europe are increasingly choosing jobs closer to home. Migration policy also contributes to a growing shortage of workers in the agricultural and horticultural sector.
