Pilot Case 6
Robotic pruning and thinning with XR in orchards in Spain & Belgium
Location: Belgian and Spanish Orchard farmers and cooperatives
Overview
Pilot Case 6 introduces an autonomous mobile robot adapted for precision pruning and thinning tasks in orchards. Using vision-based AI, the robot identifies branches for removal and supports operators with XR-based decision tools. A task-specific gripper developed with safety and flexibility in mind will ensure effective pruning.
Timeline
Seasonal data collection will inform model training for pruning decisions. The gripper will undergo multi-season testing, and iterative field trials will refine the robot’s performance in varied tree structures and conditions.
Validation
Evaluation focuses on navigation, target detection accuracy, pruning tool efficiency, and safety. Comparisons to manual pruning will assess precision, plant health impacts, and labor reduction.
AR Integration
XR simulations train farmers in robotic pruning strategies and support expert-guided decision-making. Real-time AR overlays aid the robot and operator in identifying and confirming pruning targets for improved orchard management.
