The project’s purpose is to perform tasks autonomously and support the work of Chilean farmers. According to Frutas de Chile on their website, this is a team of researchers from the Engineering department of the Catholic University (UC), led by Professor Miguel Torres, who are developing an innovative robot to provide a system capable of executing repetitive and demanding tasks, such as pruning, weeding, thinning, applying fertilizers, and harvesting delicate fruits like cherries, blueberries, and nectarines.

The academic leading this initiative detailed that “these tasks require precision and consistency. The idea is to have a technological tool that can assist workers in tasks that require such skills, contributing to the efficiency of the sector.”

The robot in development features a mobile base capable of moving across uneven terrains and two arms that can manipulate objects.

Regarding its design, Miguel Torres stated that “it allows it to adapt to field conditions and operate in open spaces without the need for specific infrastructure. To teach it to perform its tasks, artificial intelligence algorithms are used that enable it to adapt and improve its performance.”

“We are working on a system that not only performs predefined tasks but also learns and adjusts to different working conditions in the field. The use of AI is key in this project, as it gives the robot the ability to make decisions in real time,” added the academic.

The researchers are refining the robot’s sensors and perception systems to enhance its ability to capture relevant information and process it efficiently. The idea is for the robot to have a level of autonomy that allows it to make optimal decisions in various situations.