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In a bid to revolutionise grape harvesting, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) researchers are piloting new robotic grape pickers in collaboration with Extend Robotics and the Saffron Grange vineyard. The project focuses on developing a robotic system equipped with advanced sensors and AI, allowing it to detect ripeness and gently pick grapes with pressure-sensitive "fingers." This innovation aims to meet the high standards needed for grapes destined for fine wine, which are currently valued at approximately £5,000 ($6,480) per tonne.

Funded by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Innovate UK collaborative research and development project aims to elevate wine quality by ensuring optimal harvest timing with high-tech Robotics and AI technologies, including:

• A precision manipulation and perception system, using AI-based optical imaging and analysis technology.
• A virtual reality interface to enable growers to harvest more efficiently and accurately.
• Remote monitoring of crop health for better quality and higher yields.

Leading this transforming endeavour are QMUL's distinguished researcher, Professor Lei Su, and Senior Lecturer in Robotics, Dr Ketao Zhang. Their combined expertise in robotics, remote sensing and spectral analysis will be instrumental in developing AI-powered robots capable of handling delicate fruit, like grapes, which have traditionally been too fragile for mechanised picking.

Dr Ketao Zhang expressed the project's ambition. "Our team is experimenting with electronic skin that allows robots to 'feel' pressure, mimicking the gentleness of a human hand. With the enabling technology, the engineered robotic manipulator can pick grapes more efficiently and accurately."

Professor Lei Su highlighted the uniqueness of the project, stating, "With AI-integrated spectral analysis, we can go beyond visible light into infrared and ultraviolet ranges. This allows us to apply this precise technology to grapes, helping vineyards identify peak ripeness and assess vine health, such as detecting early signs of disease."

QMUL's ongoing research is a promising step toward the first commercial prototype - anticipated within two years - which could transform labour-intensive vineyard operations. This fusion of AI and robotics is set to bring unprecedented precision and efficiency to grape harvesting, ensuring that winemakers can achieve the best quality vintage, season after season.