PeK Automotive d.o.o., a leader in innovative solutions for agricultural machinery, showcased its revolutionary line of autonomous robots for orchards and vineyards at the prestigious Interpoma 2024 fair in Bolzano, Italy. Among the products on display, an autonomous apple picker attracted particular attention, promising to change the way fruit is harvested.
The autonomous apple picker uses cutting-edge stereo vision technology to detect the maturity of the fruits. This system enables precise harvesting without damaging the fruit or the trees, which is crucial for preserving the quality of the product and the health of the plants. The robot is equipped with three or six manipulators, capable of picking up to 5,000 apples per hour. Its aluminum construction ensures lightness and durability, while its noise level of only 60 decibels is among the lowest in its class.
The use of this robot significantly reduces the need for manual labor, which is a major advantage as producers face a growing shortage of seasonal workers. Automation reduces labor costs and increases flexibility in the production process. With advanced fruit ripeness recognition systems, only fully ripe fruits are harvested, further optimizing the harvesting process.
At the fair in Bolzano, company representatives highlighted the significance of these devices for the future of agriculture. During the presentation, it was emphasized that these robots are designed to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and provide sustainable solutions for modern orchards.
In addition to the autonomous apple picker, PeK Automotive also presented a range of other devices operating on the principle of autonomy. These innovations include systems for spraying, mowing, pruning branches, as well as robotic equipment for mulching and removing excess flowers. All these products are based on advanced sensors and algorithms that allow precise processing of vineyards and orchards.
The Interpoma fair, known as the leading global event dedicated to apple production, was the perfect platform to showcase these innovations. Bolzano thus became the center of a technological revolution in agriculture, where PeK Automotive confirmed its position as a pioneer in robotics and automation.
The autonomous apple picker and other robots presented by the company symbolize the entry into a new era in agriculture, where technology is used to achieve sustainable and precise production. These devices enable producers to meet the challenges of the modern age, such as labor shortages and increasing demands for efficiency and profitability. With such innovations, the future of agriculture looks brighter than ever.