The Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has developed an innovative strawberry-picking robot designed to aid farmers amid a labour shortage. This advanced robot operates 24/7, significantly outpacing human workers who are typically limited to eight-hour shifts. It alleviates physical strain on workers by utilizing artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance agricultural efficiency.

Professor Dezhen Song, Deputy Department Chair of Robotics at MBZUAI, showcased this groundbreaking robot, which integrates high-resolution cameras and sensors to analyze plants in real-time. The robot identifies ripe strawberries by assessing key parameters such as colour, size, and shape. The sophisticated camera system enables the robot to determine the best angle for grasping each fruit, ensuring minimal damage during the picking process.

One notable feature of the robot is its adaptive grasping mechanism, which allows it to handle strawberries delicately. Professor Song explained that the robot’s gripper is equipped with a tactile sensor that helps it gauge the amount of force required to pick the fruit without causing harm. He mentioned that extensive testing was performed to determine the precise amount of pressure that can be applied to strawberries, a process that will facilitate the robot’s future adaptability for different crops.

Unlike traditional factory robots that follow fixed routines, this strawberry-picking robot can dynamically adjust to its environment. Professor Song highlighted that it not only adapts to various conditions but also controls the contact force to prevent damage to the fruit. This capability integrates active perception with its manipulation skills, allowing adjustments based on factors like light, obstructions, and movement caused by wind.

The necessity for such automation is underscored by a global decline in the human workforce willing to engage in agricultural work. Professor Song pointed out that many regions, including China and the United States, face a significant demographic shift, with the average age of farmers exceeding 53 years. He emphasized that younger generations, particularly millennials, are increasingly disinterested in taking on the physically demanding work associated with farming.

Professor Song also noted that robotic solutions can lead to substantial cost reductions in agriculture. He explained that by replacing human labour with robots, efficiency can be improved while lowering overall costs, as a considerable portion of strawberry production expenses is tied to labour. Furthermore, he suggested that employing robots for precision agriculture could minimize the use of harmful chemicals, promoting a healthier approach to farming.

Currently, MBZUAI is in talks with agricultural partners to explore commercialization opportunities for the harvesting robot. The professor revealed plans to establish a startup that would focus on bringing this technology to market. Interest in the robot has already emerged from the agricultural community, with Professor Song sharing an anecdote about a woman from Cyprus who expressed a strong desire to purchase one for her husband, a strawberry farmer.

Comparatively, the economic benefits of this robotic solution are particularly relevant in markets like the UK, where labour shortages and increasing wages pose challenges. The robot’s ability to operate continuously without breaks makes it a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Professor Song quantified the efficiency of the robot, stating it can pick one strawberry every nine seconds, a pace that matches the cost of an entire day’s work by a human labourer in the UK.

MBZUAI continues to collaborate with governmental bodies and leading agritech companies to foster AI-driven advancements in agriculture. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with ADQ, the university is engaged in research and development projects aimed at utilizing predictive analytics to enhance crop yields and bolster food security.