What's Happening?
Japanese company Inaho has advanced its snack tomato harvesting robot towards commercial viability. The robot, recently showcased at Tomatoworld in the Netherlands, features a new design that allows it to approach
and cut tomatoes from a 60-degree angle, improving its harvesting success rate. An additional camera aids in detecting trusses, enhancing efficiency. The robot now uses a collection tray for harvested tomatoes, which are then transferred to crates. Inaho aims to create an affordable robot that focuses on easily accessible tomatoes, with a success rate of around 45%.
Why It's Important?
The development of Inaho's robot represents a significant step in agricultural automation, potentially reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency in tomato harvesting. This technology could transform the agricultural industry by addressing labor shortages and improving productivity. The focus on affordability makes it accessible to a broader range of farmers, potentially leading to widespread adoption. The robot's development also highlights the importance of breeding robot-friendly crop varieties to maximize harvesting efficiency.
What's Next?
Inaho plans to continue refining the robot's design and functionality, possibly incorporating autonomous path navigation. The company is also seeking partnerships with breeders to develop tomato varieties that are more compatible with robotic harvesting. As the robot approaches commercial release, it may prompt other companies to accelerate their own agricultural automation projects, potentially leading to a competitive market for harvesting robots.
