#AgricultureInnovation #GreenhouseFarming #ETHZurich #FloatingRobotics #AgriculturalTechnology #RoboticsInAgriculture #SustainableFarming #LaborOptimization #CropMonitoring #SmartFarming
In the challenging environment of Beerstecher AG’s greenhouse in Hinwil, where humidity and temperatures soar, the picking robot from Floating Robotics emerges as a solution to the strenuous and repetitive tasks involved in vegetable harvesting. Addressing the labor challenge, the robot automates critical activities, allowing human workers to focus on more demanding and creative aspects of farming.
Engineered by the Robotic Systems Lab at ETH Zurich, this innovative robot, equipped with an integrated camera and a sophisticated computer system, can identify and perform tasks like defoliating and harvesting. Despite being in the pilot phase, there are strong indications that it will become an integral part of Beerstecher AG’s production process.
In the heart of the demanding greenhouse at Beerstecher AG in Hinwil, Switzerland, where humidity levels reach 80 percent and temperatures soar to 35 degrees Celsius, the challenges of finding and retaining suitable labor for vegetable harvests are significant. Enter the picking robot, a revolutionary creation from ETH Zurich’s spin-off, Floating Robotics.
This robot, currently in its pilot phase, is not just an ordinary piece of machinery. It tackles strenuous and repetitive tasks, such as defoliating, harvesting, and boxing vegetables, allowing human workers to redirect their efforts toward more demanding, creative, and critical tasks. Bianca Curcio, responsible for production management at Beerstecher greenhouse and an ETH Zurich alumna, envisions a permanent role for the robot in the production process.
Developed by engineers and students from the Robotic Systems Lab (RSL) at ETH Zurich, the picking robot is a testament to the cutting-edge technology emerging from academic institutions. In 2023, under the leadership of Salman Faraji, Floating Robotics was established with the ambitious goal of bringing this groundbreaking technology to the market.
The robot, equipped with an integrated camera, constantly monitors the crops. Thanks to its built-in computer system, it can recognize different plants and objects, activating its robotic arm to perform specific tasks, such as precise de-leafing or efficient harvesting.
The picking robot from ETH’s Floating Robotics is more than just a technological marvel; it’s a game-changer for greenhouse farming. As it undergoes testing at Beerstecher AG, the potential benefits for agricultural efficiency and labor optimization are evident. The collaboration between academia and industry showcased in this innovative solution reflects a promising future for sustainable and technologically advanced agriculture.
