Novel technology for automatic harvesting of asparagus
Asparagus is a major physical challenge for field workers harvesting it by hand, and a major expense for farmers paying for this painstaking labour. Mechanised harvesting technology that matches human harvesters' yields and accuracy remains elusive. The EU-funded project AMLIGHT (Development of an automatic harvesting system for green asparagus with stalk detection in ambient light) addressed the issue. Project partners began by specifying technical requirements for the harvesting machine and the development of a manually operated tool. The tools were then tested on asparagus fields in Germany and the United Kingdom during the 2013 harvest season. Tools that demonstrated the best potential for success were developed once the season ended. All four system subcomponents were designed, manufactured and integrated into the prototype. These include the detection system, the self-driven carrier unit, control software and hardware programme, and the harvesting mechanism. The completed prototype was tested during the 2014 harvest season. Specifically, three field demonstrations verified the detection system under farm conditions and tested its accuracy, while also testing harvesting system performance. The field tests were assessed in order to optimise the prototype. Enhancements include the integration of a stalk tracking device in the detection system and modification of the harvesting tool for gentler gripping. Thanks to AMLIGHT, the innovative autonomous harvesting solution will help to reduce labour costs and thereby help European asparagus farmers remain competitive. It will also improve the working conditions for harvesting employees.
Keywords
Automatic harvesting, asparagus, green asparagus, stalk detection, ambient light
