Agricultural Robotics is excited to welcome Patrick Di as the National Industry PhD candidate commencing his research program in partnership with Central Queensland University (CQU) and Freelance Robotics. Patrick’s work will focus on advancing unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technologies designed for commercial orchards.
The project, “Unmanned Ground Vehicle Enabled Fruit Yield Prediction and Autonomous Harvesting” will build on existing orchard imaging and harvesting technology developed by the group. The goal is to add guidance automation, optimize imaging and improve data analytics on existing harvest technologies to improve the deployment in mango farming and beyond.
His PhD project will explore applications with in-field navigation, perception, and task execution in complex orchard environments. By combining robotics, machine learning, and agricultural science Patrick aims to deliver solutions that can reduce labour reliance, improve harvest efficiency, and support sustainable farming practices.
The National Industry PhD Program provides a unique framework that bridges academic expertise with real-world commercial needs. Patrick will spend significant time embedded on farm in the Northern Territory, ensuring his research aligns with the challenges faced by growers and delivers outcomes that can be practically deployed.
This collaboration highlights our commitment to building local capability in advanced ag-tech while fostering the next generation of experts. Patrick’s work is an exciting step forward in our mission to create scalable, farmer-focused innovations that transform horticulture across Australia.
Welcome aboard, Patrick—we’re looking forward to the journey ahead!
