Winemakers are building grape-picking robots

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Engineers at Queen Mary University of London and Extend Robotics are developing a grape-picking robot for vineyards, aimed at automating the delicate task of harvesting grapes
• The robot uses AI-powered visual sensors to detect ripeness and pressure-sensitive fingers to avoid damaging the fruit
• Currently, the robot is controlled remotely using a VR headset, but full autonomy is the goal

🔭 The context: Harvesting grapes for fine wine requires precision due to their value and narrow ripeness window
• Traditional labor shortages, unpredictable weather, and short harvesting periods pose challenges for vineyards
• This technology could make round-the-clock harvesting possible, using remote operators from different time zones to extend working hours

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Robotic grape-picking could help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture by reducing crop losses to mildew, frost, and pests
• Automating harvests may also address labor shortages and improve efficiency, potentially setting a precedent for broader use of robotics in sustainable farming

⏭️ What's next: The project is still in early stages, with robots being piloted in a controlled vineyard setting
• As the technology matures, the goal is to transition from remote-controlled robots to fully autonomous systems capable of monitoring and harvesting entire vineyards

💬 One quote: "The perfect window to harvest grapes for sparkling wine is just 'a few days'," – Nick Edwards, Saffron Grange's director, emphasizing the challenges of manual harvesting

📈 One stat: Fine wine grapes can be valued at over £5,000 ($6,480) per tonne, highlighting the importance of precision in harvesting

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