Working in a greenhouse can be grueling and time-consuming, requiring individuals to endure physically demanding tasks. However, thanks to the ingenuity of the picking robot developed by ETH spin-off Floating Robotics, the burdensome nature of greenhouse work is being alleviated. With ongoing testing at Beerstecher AG in Hinwil, this innovative technology promises to revolutionize the industry.
The Challenge of Greenhouse Work
In the greenhouse at Beerstecher AG, the conditions are arduous. Humidity levels reach 80% and temperatures soar to 35°C, leaving workers exhausted and overwhelmed. Finding and retaining labor for vegetable harvests becomes a constant challenge for this family business. Fortunately, the picking robot from Floating Robotics offers a solution. By automating tasks such as defoliating, harvesting, and boxing vegetables, the robot takes on repetitive activities, allowing employees to focus on more complex and engaging tasks.
Bianca Curcio, an ETH Zurich alumna who manages production at the Beerstecher greenhouse, emphasizes the importance of the picking robot in empowering employees. As the robot handles strenuous and repetitive tasks, human workers can redirect their efforts towards activities that require a creative and critical mindset. This shift in roles not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes innovation within the organization.
From Pilot Phase to Permanence
Although the picking robot is currently in the pilot phase, it is expected to become an integral part of Beerstecher AG’s production process. Developed by engineers and students from ETH Zurich’s Robotic Systems Lab (RSL), the robot showcases the potential of technology in revolutionizing the agricultural sector. Led by Salman Faraji, the RSL team established Floating Robotics in 2023 with the goal of bringing this groundbreaking technology to market.
Equipped with an integrated camera, the picking robot monitors crop conditions with precision. Through its built-in computer, it can identify and distinguish between various plants and objects. This advanced recognition technology enables the robot’s robotic arm to perform specific tasks, such as de-leafing or harvesting, without error. By combining vision and dexterity, the robot ensures efficiency and accuracy in greenhouse operations.
The Future of Greenhouse Work
The picking robot developed by Floating Robotics represents a significant step towards a more efficient and sustainable future for greenhouse work. With the burden of repetitive tasks lifted from human workers, the industry can attract and retain skilled labor more effectively. Moreover, the implementation of robotics streamlines operations, resulting in increased productivity and improved crop yields.
The introduction of the picking robot heralds a new era for greenhouse work, offering a welcome respite from physically demanding and monotonous tasks. By automating crucial activities, the picking robot from Floating Robotics empowers employees and enhances overall efficiency within the industry. As this technology continues to develop, the future of greenhouse work looks brighter than ever.
Leave a Reply