Nanovel Introduces Groundbreaking AI Robot for Citrus Harvesting
Citrus fruit picking has come a long way, especially with the introduction of an innovative AI-powered robot by the Israeli startup, Nanovel. Until recently, the labor-intensive task of harvesting oranges and other citrus fruits from tall, densely-leaved trees was exclusively done by hand. But now, thanks to this new technology, the future of fruit harvesting looks much brighter.
The heart of Nanovel’s robotic harvester is its impressive multi-arm platform—each equipped with a cutting-edge end-effector featuring a vacuum gripper. This sophisticated design allows the robot to gently cradle the citrus fruit, snipping the stem with absolute precision and care, ensuring no damage is done in the process.
Precision Meets Efficiency
What sets Nanovel’s robot apart is its capability to combine various advanced technologies. With edge computing and visual recognition systems, the arms of this harvester can identify and selectively pick ripe fruits, adhering to fresh market quality standards. Although it currently requires towing by a tractor, plans are underway to develop an internal driving unit for greater autonomy, making it even more versatile.
Initially targeting the global citrus market by focusing on oranges—the world’s most cultivated fruit—Nanovel has ambitious plans to extend its harvesting capabilities to other fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, avocados, and even peaches and nectarines in the future.
Tackling Labor Challenges
Agriculturalists around the globe face mounting pressure from labor shortages and operating costs. Nanovel’s robotic harvester is poised to change that. Operating around the clock, this innovative machine promises to elevate productivity while reducing costs, allowing farms to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Looking Ahead: Trials Set for 2025
In an exciting development, Nanovel has signed a significant agreement with the California Citrus Research Board (CRB) worth a total of $900,000. This partnership paves the way for a series of field trials commencing in 2025. Success in these trials could lead to widespread adoption of the robot within California’s citrus industry.
Isaac Mazor, the founder and CEO of Nanovel, underlines the mission of the startup: “Our goal is to secure the affordability of fresh fruit through autonomous harvesting.” He expressed ambition for the robot to penetrate major citrus markets, especially in the US and southern Europe, aiming to establish a new era in fresh market harvesting that guarantees quality and economic sustainability for growers.
Nanovel recently showcased its cutting-edge harvesting robot at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London, captivating attendees and sparking interest in its transformative capabilities. This startup is on a path to revolutionize the agriculture sector, ensuring that the fruits of labor remain accessible to all.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
