A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

A method of manufacturing and using a five-device-in-one multi-function and multi-orientation carapace system comprises the steps of: Sewing at least one first three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panel and at least one second three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panel together such that at least one water-directing ball-directing fruit-directing dome-bisecting transverse seam and at least one water-directing-and-ejecting ball-directing-and-ejecting fruit-directing-and-ejecting cross-cutting seam are formed; Attaching the at least one first and the at least one second three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panels to the interchangeable splines, respectively; Attaching the at least one first and the at least one second outer edges of the at least one first and the least one second three-dimensional contour-conforming carapace dome panels to the spline ends of the interchangeable splines, respectively; Adjusting the angle of the carapace-supporting angled arm; and Locking the carapace-tilting-and-multi-orienting snap-locking handle to the multi-height-adjustable carapace stanchion.

A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

A fruit harvesting vehicle comprising a hydraulic power system comprising a plurality of hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders. At least a pair of elevating work platforms, with an equal number positioned in opposition on each side of the vehicle, with each elevating work platform operated by independent hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower. A front chain drive system powered by a first hydraulic motor transporting an empty harvest bin from a front deck into a filling position to interface with a rotating hydraulic driven bin filler system. A rear chain drive system powered by a second hydraulic motor transporting a filled harvest bin onto a rear deck. A fill sensor associated with a harvest bin interfaced with the rotating hydraulic driven bin filler system to lower in place over the associated harvest bin. The fill sensor automatically raises the rotating hydraulic driven bin filler system and operates the chain drive systems.

A mobile picking platform system includes a mobile picking platform having a mobile carriage with a superstructure supporting multiple adjustable picking stations. A storage box carrier on the mobile picking platform has a pick position with storage boxes held at optimum heights for access by pickers on the picking stations, an unload position in which full storage boxes are unloaded onto a ground surface, and a load position for receiving empty storage boxes. A storage unit carries empty storage boxes and facilitates transfer of storage boxes to the mobile picking platform. A shuttle trailer may also be included in the system to transfer empty storage boxes to the mobile picking platform and storage unit. The shuttle trailer has a down positon in which full storage boxes may be picked up from a ground surface, and an up position for transferring storage boxes to the storage unit or mobile picking platform.

A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

A mobile picking platform system includes a mobile picking platform having a mobile carriage with a superstructure supporting multiple adjustable picking stations. A storage box carrier on the mobile picking platform has a pick position with storage boxes held at optimum heights for access by pickers on the picking stations, an unload position in which full storage boxes are unloaded onto a ground surface, and a load position for receiving empty storage boxes. A storage unit carries empty storage boxes and facilitates transfer of storage boxes to the mobile picking platform. A shuttle trailer may also be included in the system to transfer empty storage boxes to the mobile picking platform and storage unit. The shuttle trailer has a down positon in which full storage boxes may be picked up from a ground surface, and an up position for transferring storage boxes to the storage unit or mobile picking platform.

A bin carrier system that includes a tractor having a maximum width that permits the tractor to navigate between narrow rows of fruit trees and other produce crops such as, for example, dwarf varieties of apple trees. The tractor includes a storage compartment into which multiple produce bins can be collected for transport out of an orchard or field. The tractor can also include an elevated platform on which one or more individuals can stand while the tractor is stationary or mobile. The system can also feature a sensor to detect proximity or contact with a plant. The system can also feature an automatic steering system to guide the tractor between rows of plants.