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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, 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
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, 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
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, 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
    Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, 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
    Agricultural Engineering Department, College of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Chongyang Han & Jinhong Lv & Chengju Dong & Jiehao Li & Yuanqiang Luo & Weibin Wu & Mohamed Anwer Abdeen, 2024. "Classification, Advanced Technologies, and Typical Applications of End-Effector for Fruit and Vegetable Picking Robots," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-37, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:8:p:1310-:d:1452211
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yingpeng Zhu & Chuanyu Wu & Junhua Tong & Jianneng Chen & Leiying He & Rongyang Wang & Jiangming Jia, 2021. "Deviation Tolerance Performance Evaluation and Experiment of Picking End Effector for Famous Tea," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Rafael Goulart & Dennis Jarvis & Kerry B. Walsh, 2023. "Evaluation of End Effectors for Robotic Harvesting of Mango Fruit," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    3. Kaiwen Chen & Tao Li & Tongjie Yan & Feng Xie & Qingchun Feng & Qingzhen Zhu & Chunjiang Zhao, 2022. "A Soft Gripper Design for Apple Harvesting with Force Feedback and Fruit Slip Detection," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-26, October.
    4. Md Nafiul Islam & Md Zafar Iqbal & Mohammod Ali & Milon Chowdhury & Md Shaha Nur Kabir & Tusan Park & Yong-Joo Kim & Sun-Ok Chung, 2020. "Kinematic Analysis of a Clamp-Type Picking Device for an Automatic Pepper Transplanter," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-17, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chung-Liang Chang & Cheng-Chieh Huang, 2024. "Design and Implementation of an AI-Based Robotic Arm for Strawberry Harvesting," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-21, November.

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