How Robots and Machine Vision Enhances Wine and Agricultural Operations

Machine vision and robotics come into play in the agricultural industry in a big way and will improve productivity with the incorporation of these modern technologies.

FREMONT, CA: With discrete and batch process manufacturers taking full benefit of advancements in robotics and machine vision technology to enhance operations, winemakers and the agricultural sector is increasingly using machine vision AI and robotics to enhance processes in the vineyard. Combined with modern ERP systems, these manufacturers are equipped to weather disruption and establish their foothold in a dynamic marketplace. Manufacturing, packaging, and production are familiar with automation, vision systems, and collaborative robotics. Now, the more manual and complex agriculture areas are starting to feel the influence of these innovative technologies.

Robots will use machine vision technology to survey and gather data that offer insight into various environmental factors. A follow-up with more specialized robots will maintain sites, performing field operatio

ns like weeding, picking, and pruning. Once a suitable location has been established and the land prepared for processes, third-generation robots, and autonomous systems will evolve to automate the process from seed to packing. The vision still is years from coming to fruition. The wine industry is where robots and irrigation technology are functioning in tandem to efficiently use watering practices in the drought-stricken state.

The vineyard may be one of the last places people imagine the recent advancements in technology are being used. However, the use cases of machine vision, AI, and robots are transforming the winemaking sector to such an extent that the advantages of their incorporation are too great to neglect. The unmanned ground vehicle, armed with GPS, can map routes throughout vineyards. Depending on drone and satellite images, the vehicle will have a continuous view of climate conditions in real-time. Besides, the robot will use a grasping hand to turn the water emitters like the way that increases or decreases the flow of water. This system enhances the current irrigation setup considerably since the irrigation watering systems presently offer a constant flow of water across the whole system. With efficient water use in the drought-stricken region, improve vineyard yield, reduce waste, and even customize the watering operation dependent on a vineyard’s variety of grape.