Automatic Robot Mpijinja Voly

Press Kit

Unique Properties

With a declining number of farmers worldwide, time-consuming harvesting is one area to save manpower. That is why we designed this robot to offer peace of mind when interacting with it. It features eyes that can be seen from any angle, indicating its travel direction and giving it a friendly image while its rounded top surface and pearlescent finish make it unintimidating. Its system allows it to detect obstacles and stop safely, and its top surface is free of bumps where dirt can accumulate.

Dimensions & Packaging

1230mm×1320mm×930mm
(not including cutters, cables)
Chassis weight 300 kg

Tags

automated harvesting, robot, AgriD, cherry tomato, horticulture facility, DENSO, DENSO Design

Production Technology

A new level of harvesting technology has been reached via DENSO's unique image processing and robot hand technology.
1. A modular configuration was used for high versatility and to ensure cost reduction and a low barrier to entry.
2. For cleanliness, the top surface has as few recesses for water or dirt to collect as possible and cables are not exposed.
3. To ensure people can work safely with the robot, it features status indicator lights and has a system to detect obstacles and stop safely.

Design Challenge

In its early development the robot was angular in shape due to its internal mechanisms and complicated wiring. This combined with its large body size gave it less-than-friendly impression. To create one, we began with the internals, trying to devise a frame layout to achieve a rounded shape while maintaining functionality, and to configure the parts to reduce volume. Also, to facilitate human-robot communication, we designed indicator lights to be visible, so that they would meet peoples' eyes.

Research

Denso's goal is to integrate the entire greenhouse process into a system allowing people to do the work best suited to them, while machines do the work best suited to machines, providing local farmers with a lively workplace.
The system uses cameras and AI technology to detect bunches, judge ripeness and automatically harvest.
Replacing some of the work done by people with machines during peak harvest times reduces the burden on workers so they can work efficiently and not overtax themselves.

Inspiration

The world population is set to exceed 10 billion by 2050, bringing an increased demand for food. Food shortages will likely intensify in places with growing populations like Asia and Africa, as some areas are not suitable for agriculture. Japan and other developed countries are facing problems like fewer agricultural workers due to an aging and declining population and widespread food waste. By solving these, DENSO's goal is to reform the entire food value chain toward a sustainable society.

Project Duration

Design development fully underway in March, 2019.
News released in March, 2020.
Demonstration unit begins operation at AgriD in Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, Japan

Operation Flow

This robot harvests cherry tomatoes for large-scale horticultural facilities. It moves automatically along rails laid out in a path on the farm and uses cameras and sensors to which cherry tomatoes are ripe for harvesting. The robot's arm can extend and cut off an entire bunch of tomatoes, which is then placed in a box pulled by the robot. It can even work at night when no one is around, contributing to labor savings, addressing labor shortages, and increasing harvest volume.

Image Credits

Image #1:Designer Yuko Kanda, 2020, Design Division, DENSO CORPORATION / Image #2-#5:2020,Public Relations Division, DENSO CORPORATION