Our Croc Pitch win is celebrated with the researchers at the Institute of Future Farming Systems, Central Queensland University. Crucially, the development of the mango auto-harvester has been a collaborative effort involving the Central Queensland University, mango industry, and mango growers. This partnership has not only accelerated the project’s progress but has also received financial support from the Federal Government’s Accelerating Commercialisation Program.
The project’s lead researcher, CQUniversity’s Professor Kerry Walsh AM, is the mastermind behind the world’s first mango auto-harvester. This proprietary auto-harvester leverages advanced robotics and vision systems to streamline the mango harvesting process. It boasts multiple arms capable of picking fruit at an impressive rate of five seconds per arm, with a remarkable 76 percent success rate. Professor Walsh highlighted the versatility of this solution, suggesting that it could find applications in other soft tree fruit industries, potentially transforming the way various fruits are harvested in the future.
One of the key motivations behind creating this innovative technology is to address the challenges associated with traditional mango harvesting methods. Automation not only increases efficiency but also addresses health and safety concerns for agricultural workers who often toil in harsh conditions during the hot summer months and must contend with acidic mango sap.
Read more about the CQU TECH SNAPPED UP IN CROC PITCH.
