Mango harvesting has become automated as a Redland Bay business receives an accelerating commercialisation grant.
Freelance Robotics has been approved for a $1.5 million total matched funding grant from the federal government to automate mango harvesting.
The Queensland-based engineering firm is providing groundbreaking robotic solutions and has a vision to innovate further with smart technologies.
The grant money will help drive the commercialisation of two innovative systems – the Orion mango crop load estimator and an auto harvester.
The Orion mango crop load estimator enables growers to optimise resource allocation and improve yield predictions with advanced algorithms and vision technology which analyses the crop load across the flower and fruit stages on the tree.
The auto harvester is a state-of-the-art robotic system designed to automate the labour-intensive process of picking ripe mangoes with precision and care.
Freelance Robotics chief executive William Pagnon said the technology would enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability of mango farming operations across the country.
Both the Orion crop load estimator and auto harvester have been developed in close collaboration with the industry partners and feedback from on-farm trials, ensuring they meet the specific needs of mango growers,
Freelance Robotics chief executive William Pagnon
Freelance Robotics is focusing on refining and optimising the Orion systems by collaborating with industry partners, mango growers and agricultural experts.
