LITecS had the incredible opportunity to present groundbreaking research from the ROBOTA-SUDOE project at the IEEE/ASME MESA 2024, an international conference on mechatronic and embedded systems. On September 3rd, two significant studies in soft robotics were showcased, demonstrating advancements in agricultural automation and robotic adaptability.
In the morning session, researchers presented the study “Fusion of Computer Vision Method and Fin Ray Effect Soft Robotic Gripper for Fruit Harvesting,” which introduced an automated system integrating deep learning-based computer vision with a soft robotic gripper to revolutionize fruit harvesting. The model achieved 98.31% accuracy in detecting oranges using TensorFlow-based object detection, and a lightweight XZ gantry system powered by a Raspberry Pi was designed to ensure precise gripper positioning. Field tests demonstrated 87% successful captures out of 100 trials, showcasing the system’s potential to reduce manual labor, ensure non-destructive harvesting, and promote sustainable agriculture.
In the afternoon session, another research piece, “Design of Fin Ray Effect Soft Robotic Gripper for Improved Mechanical Performance and Adaptability,” focused on enhancing the performance of Fin Ray Effect soft robotic grippers for agricultural applications. Extensive numerical simulations in ANSYS identified optimal design parameters for grasping delicate objects, while prototypes fabricated using TPU-based Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) demonstrated improved durability and adaptability. Experimental tests validated the designs, highlighting better mechanical performance and reduced failure rates.
These studies demonstrate how innovative robotics can tackle labor shortages, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impact in agriculture. LITecS is proud to contribute to the development of technologies that integrate precision, adaptability, and sustainability in agricultural robotics and the food industry!
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