At the forefront of a male dominated industry

Robot test run a success

THE rst trials for the fruit picking robot being developed by Ripe Robotics out of McNab and Son’s orchards in Ardmona were a success.

Since receiving Federal funding, Eve has undergone total redevelopment. Eve Mk5 is the fifth version developed by the company and it has been designed to pick fruit four times faster than Ripe Robotics' earlier designs, requires less maintenance, can pick a wider range of fruit, and uses less power – a key part in making these robots commercially viable.

Co-founder Leopold Lucas described the funding as “game changer.” He told The Adviser in February that, “Field robotics will unlock many other opportunities for other applications that make better use of data to improve the way we grow and harvest fruit.”

This machine not only alleviates the impact of labour shortages, but co-founder Hunter Jay says that AI-technology aids data collection by photographing each apple before being picked. This means orchardists will have access to accurate data that records the yield and quality of produce being collected each year.

The advent of this new technology will see orchards change to reflect the advancements. On the right side of the orchard photographed, you will see fruit trees have been pruned to have long, vertical limbs that offer easy access for the robot to grasp with its small suction ‘hand.’

“The farm of the future will be very different from the farms we know today," said Leopold.

Powered with petrol generators, the robot can move through the orchard collecting fruit ready for picking, records the fruit, picks it and then it is moved to a bin. Eve Mk5 has been designed with versatility in mind, being able to pick more than just apples, have additional arms added, and the Ripe Robotics team are constantly working to make Eve more efficient.

The next major milestone for the project will be picking an entire bin of fruit.

PROUD OF PRODUCE INVENTION... Ripe Robotics co-founders Leopold Lucas and Hunter Jay, lead engineer Michael Wood and mechatronics engineer Tobin Smit with Eve Mk5 in the centre, on the day of their successful trial run at McNab & Sons orchards, Ardmona. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

WAY OF THE FUTURE... Eve Mk5 successfully collects an apple from a tree, signalling great advancements in the way produce is harvested in orchards. Photo: Supplied

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