Design and development of an autonomous vision-guided cotton picker for selective and targeted robotic picking

Description:

 Overview of Technology 

An autonomous vision-guided cotton picker designed for selective and targeted robotic picking, enhancing efficiency in cotton harvesting while promoting sustainability.

 Background 

The innovation addresses the inefficiencies in traditional cotton harvesting methods, which often leave early-opened cotton bolls on plants, contribute to soil compaction, and rely on chemical defoliants. By enabling timely harvesting and reducing reliance on heavy machinery, this technology aims to improve the sustainability of cotton farming.

 Description of Technology 

This technology features a lightweight autonomous cotton picker, weighing approximately 70–80 kg (154–176 lb), that utilizes visual inputs for navigation and cotton boll detection. Priced around $80,000–$90,000, it operates without compacting the soil and can harvest cotton bolls as they open, thus minimizing yield losses. The system eliminates the need for chemical defoliants, allowing for harvesting even when plants still have leaves.

 Benefits

- Increased efficiency in cotton harvesting

- Reduction of soil compaction

- Minimized reliance on chemical defoliants

- Improved cotton quality and yield

- Cost-effective solution for farmers

 Applications

- Cotton farming

- Sustainable agricultural practices

- Robotic harvesting systems

- Precision agriculture technologies

 Opportunity 

Companies involved in agricultural technology and robotics could greatly benefit from further development and commercialization of this autonomous cotton picker, enhancing their product offerings in sustainable farming solutions.