Author: Bechar, Avital

Source: Stewart Postharvest Review, Volume 6, Number 3, September 2010 , pp. 1-11(11)

Publisher: Stewart Postharvest Solutions

Abstract:

Purpose of review: This review summarises the last decade of research, developments and innovation in robotics and autonomous systems for horticultural field production. It includes an overview and descriptions of the technology and of the components that enable such systems to operate and perform the required tasks or applications in agricultural environments.

Findings: There has been considerable progress in this field in the last few years. Robotic systems for horticultural field production must be able to operate in unstructured agricultural environments without impairing the quality of the work in comparison with that achieved by current methods and means. In order to assimilate robotic systems into horticultural processes, technologies must be developed to overcome difficult problems such as continuously changing conditions, and variability in produce and environments. Development of intelligent systems is necessary for successful task performance in such environments. The cost of the robotic system must be low in order for it to be cost effective but, in addition, inherent safety and reliability are among the most important aspects; safety of people and preservation of the environment, the crop and the machinery are mandatory.

Directions and future research: Although much progress has been made during recent years, in most cases the technology is not yet commercially available for use as more study is still needed. Information acquisition systems, including sensors, fusion algorithms and data analysis need to be improved and adjusted to the dynamic conditions of unstructured agricultural environments. Intensive research is needed on integration of a human operator into the system control loop and how it increases system performance and reliability. System sizes should be reduced in conjunction with improvement to integrate of all parts and components of the system.

Keywords: ROBOTICS; AUTOMATION; AUTONOMOUS; HORTICULTURE; PRODUCTION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2212/spr.2010.3.11

Publication date: 2010-09-01

More about this publication?

• Stewart Postharvest Review is published bi-monthly and covers a wide range of topics in various areas of postharvest biology and technology.
  
  Stewart Postharvest Solutions is pleased to offer you a Free Trial to Stewart Postharvest Review. Individuals receive a free 30 day trial and institutions receive a free 3 month trial to Stewart Postharvest Review - Access to volume 2 only
  
  To take advantage of this offer just sign in with your administrator details and click on the "Sign up for a free trial" link below.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Terms & Conditions
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Botany ,  Chemistry
• By this author: Bechar, Avital

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers