Scientists create robot capable of harvesting tomatoes better than humans

A startup in the city of Somerville has created a robot that can pick tomatoes and analyze if they are already mature with a higher success rate than the same work done by humans. The idea is that the robot could eventually replace workers on US crops, generating savings for local farmers.

Root AI is the startup responsible for creating the first agriculture-oriented robot called Virgo 1. It is basically an arm that can harvest food without damaging it, and analyze whether it is ready for harvest.

Image: Playback / Root AI

Virgo 1 moves around alone using sensors and cameras that operate like your eyes. The robot is already undergoing testing at US and Canadian farms and greenhouses, with funding from companies such as Accomplice, First Round, Half Court, Liquid 2 and Schematic.

Stakeholders expect Virgo 1 to be used commercially from 2020 onwards, with technology developed for harvesting cucumbers, strawberries and peppers.

Scientists create robot capable of harvesting tomatoes better than humans via TecMundo