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Lapalme Agtech has said that the design will vary
according to the type of culture. For example, to
harvest broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage, two long
conveyors with a series of robots can be provided. But
for fruit trees, it is imagined that a vertical machine
with arched arms will be required to pick fruits like
peaches, apples, pears or nectarines.
Other future itineration may be to use it for sugar
bushes where the automation could be installed in
front of an all-terrain vehicle, so the vision system
could recognize the maple via cardinal points and by
old incisions so it can cut at the correct height on the
trunk. Ultimately, it could be used to execute other
tasks such as weeding, insect and disease detection.
“I like to say that the SAMI 4.0 is like a cellphone, and
to do more than make a phone call, you need apps,”
said Belanger. “The SAMI 4.0 is the same principle. We
have just developed the broccoli app, and soon we
will create other apps for harvesting cabbage, lettuce,
asparagus and more, plus one for weeding.”
At this point in time, SAMI 4.0 has a proven track
record for picking visible vegetables. “As SAMI’s
technology is based on an application principle,
the possibilities are endless. The production will be
personalized for the needs of the individual farmer,”
added Lapalme.
Tested and now deemed ready, Lapalme Agtech has
begun to take orders on the Sami robotic harvesting
system for delivery in the Spring of 2022.
“Everywhere you look, automation is gaining traction
and is boosting the competitiveness of businesses.
Today marks the arrival of agriculture into the industry
4.0 era,” summed up Lapalme.
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“EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK,
AUTOMATION IS GAINING
TRACTION AND IS BOOSTING THE
COMPETITIVENESS OF BUSINESSES.”