Crop support insertion and extraction robot

Camera-based automated robot for crop support installation and extraction

This technology features an automated mechanism mounted on a tracked mobile base with a Π-shaped frame, utilizing rail slides and linear actuators to vertically insert or extract crop supports. It uses vision-based positioning to control the work area and integrates a loading unit with a gripper to enable continuous supply and retrieval of supports.

Installing and removing crop supports is repetitive, high-intensity manual labor. Existing devices often fail to automate both processes or still require significant manual intervention, failing to alleviate the physical burden on workers.

This technology uses a support gripping unit that moves vertically along rail slides on the left and right legs to press or pull supports. Vision sensors (cameras) identify the ridge and support locations to automate navigation and operation. A leaf spring and gripper system in the loading bin enables the automated supply and recovery of supports.

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Key Features:

• A mobile base that supports the upper assembly, including the insertion/extraction unit, vision system, and loading unit.
• A work unit consisting of left and right legs and a top frame, equipped with a support gripper that moves vertically along rail slides.
• A support gripping unit featuring an end-effector at the tip of a linear actuator to securely hold the support.
• A vision system mounted on the top frame, consisting of two cameras that identify the ridge, travel direction, and the precise locations for support insertion and extraction.

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