Classification, Advanced Technologies, and Typical Applications of End-Effector for Fruit and Vegetable Picking Robots

Chongyang Han, Jinhong Lv, Chengju Dong, Jiehao Li, Yuanqiang Luo, Weibin Wu () and Mohamed Anwer Abdeen
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Chongyang Han: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Jinhong Lv: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Chengju Dong: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Jiehao Li: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Yuanqiang Luo: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Weibin Wu: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Mohamed Anwer Abdeen: Key Laboratory of Key Technology on Agricultural Machine and Equipment, Ministry of Education, College of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-37

Abstract: Fruit- and vegetable-harvesting robots are a great addition to Agriculture 4.0 since they are gradually replacing human labor in challenging activities. In order to achieve the harvesting process accurately and efficiently, the picking robot’s end-effector should be the first part to come into close contact with the crops. The design and performance requirements of the end-effectors are affected by the fruit and vegetable variety as well as the complexity of unstructured surroundings. This paper summarizes the latest research status of end-effectors for fruit- and vegetable-picking robots. It analyzes the characteristics and functions of end-effectors according to their structural principles and usage, which are classified into clamp, air suction, suction holding, and envelope types. The development and application of advanced technologies, such as the structural design of end-effectors, additional sensors, new materials, and artificial intelligence, were discussed. The typical applications of end-effectors for the picking of different kinds of fruit and vegetables were described, and the advantages, disadvantages, and performance indexes of different end-effectors were given and comparatively analyzed. Finally, challenges and potential future trends of end-effectors for picking robots were reported. This work can be considered a valuable guide to the latest end-effector technology for the design and selection of suitable end-effectors for harvesting different categories of fruit and vegetable crops.

Keywords: Agriculture 4.0; agricultural robot; fruit and vegetable picking; end-effector; advanced technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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