Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed an AI-powered tomato-harvesting robot that improves picking efficiency by evaluating how easy each tomato is to harvest before attempting to pick it. Instead of simply detecting ripe fruit, the system analyzes the tomato’s position, surrounding obstacles, and possible approach angles to predict the likelihood of a successful harvest. The robot then chooses the most effective picking path, allowing it to adapt to crowded or complex plant arrangements.
By planning its movements in advance and adjusting its strategy dynamically, the robot achieved a harvesting success rate of 81%, a significant improvement for automated agriculture systems. Researchers believe the technology could help address labor shortages in farming and reduce wasted time from failed picking attempts. The approach may eventually be adapted for harvesting other fruits and vegetables, supporting more efficient and autonomous farming operations in the future.
More information:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411175506.htm