THE STATE OF: MACHINE HARVEST

摘要

Breakthroughs in mechanization have been a long time coming, but recent advances combining the skills of both people and machines are bringing efficiencies to orchards of all sizes.THE ERA OF FULLY automated robotic harvesters navigatingorchard rows is still years away. But there have been some impressive developments in orchard mechanization, some of which are available to growers this season.Rather than wait for robots, these systems make the best use of a combination of people and equipment that can do the job efficiently and relatively cost effectively. Developers have approached the challenge from different angles, but each is focusing on improved harvest efficiency, reduced picker fatigue, and minimal fruit bruising.