Smart Automation for End-Effectors in the Development of Horticultural Robots

Horticultural robots equipped with intelligent automation and advanced end-effectors bring many benefits to the horticultural sector. Integrating intelligent automation into the design of end-effectors increases productivity, accuracy, flexibility, and adaptability. This chapter discusses end-effectors commonly used in horticulture and analyzes their specific application requirements. Subsequently, the vital role played by sensing and perception technologies in end-effector automation is described. Then, the differences between different actuation technologies in terms of speed, force, and volume are compared in terms of actuation and control mechanisms. In addition, the applications of deep learning algorithms to end-effectors are discussed. Finally, a case study demonstrated the design of a three-finger flexible gripper for orchard operations. The proposed gripper was simple, stable, flexible, low-cost, and suitable for a wide range of fruits, potential to provide a solution for orchard harvesting. Overall, horticultural robots with advanced end-effectors and smart automation have the significant potential to increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and promote precision agricultural practices.