Robocrop project improves crop yields and cuts costs

This the claim of robotics experts at the Manufacturing Technology Centre who have developed an autonomous robot that combines automation, artificial intelligence and advanced vision systems.

Based on Boston Dynamics’ Spot robotic dog, the RoboCrop project can reportedly cut the amount of chemicals and pesticides used in agriculture, increase crop yield, improve produce quality and reduce costs. The RoboCrop team has teamed up with Kent fruit farmers Bardsley England to prove the commercial, environmental and health benefits of using advanced robotics in the agricultural sector.

Automation experts at the MTC's facilities in Liverpool and Coventry developed a bespoke payload for Spot to allow detailed inspection of Bardsley's fruit crops.

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The robot's on-board computer and robotic camera combines with a specially-designed crop-inspecting image processing system to scan crops for quality, ripeness, pests and diseases. The process means that chemicals would only be applied where and when required, avoiding the need to spray entire fields and orchards. Data collected by the robot can be viewed in real time.