This disclosure includes a method for pruning a fruit plant. An exemplary method step includes obtaining an image of the fruit plant that has branches. Next, creating exclusion zones surrounding the branches. Then pruning the fruit plant based upon the exclusion zones.

This disclosure includes a method for pruning a fruit plant. An exemplary method step includes obtaining an image of the fruit plant that has branches. Next, creating exclusion zones surrounding the branches. Then pruning the fruit plant based upon the exclusion zones.

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 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 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.

The present invention provides a management system for autonomous unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) fleet management for harvesting or diluting fruits, and a computerized method for optimal harvesting using a UAV fleet.

The present invention provides a management system for autonomous unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) fleet management for harvesting or diluting fruits, and a computerized method for optimal harvesting using a UAV fleet.