Container-moving robots

Harvest Automation Inc. is working with U.S. greenhouse and nursery growers to develop a container-handling robot that performs spacing, collection and consolidation tasks.

Container spacing, consolidation and order picking are tasks growers handle on a daily basis. Most of these activities are labor intensive. Although some automated solutions are available, they can be expensive and inflexible depending on the greenhouse layout and types of containers. Most growers would welcome a less labor-intensive method of handling container-grown plants.


Robotic solution
It is challenging to apply robotic solutions to unstructured environments like an outdoor field or a cluttered greenhouse, but it is possible. Take for example iRobot Corp.’s Roomba robot vacuum cleaner. Roomba works in existing homes without modification. Consumers appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of the Roomba, and iRobot has sold more than five million units.

Key personnel of the team that designed the Roomba have formed a startup company called Harvest Automation. After surveying a wide range of industries heavily dependent on manual labor, Harvest Automation identified ornamental horticulture as a promising market for breakthrough robotic technology. The company is now looking at introducing its first product that will dramatically improve greenhouse and nursery production efficiency.

Handling container-grown plants is an ideal job for teams of mobile robots. From the robot’s point of view, containers are easily identified by sensors, are easy to pick up and are relatively difficult to damage. Also, because the containers are of a manageable size and weight the robots can be small. Their small size enables the robots to be inherently safe when working near people.

In 2010, Harvest Automation received over $5 million in investor funding to develop a range of new robots for the greenhouse and nursery industry. The company’s first commercial product is scheduled to launch by early 2012.


Robot features
Harvest Automation’s robot reduces direct manual labor costs while improving efficiency initiatives for better resource management, just-in-time production and inventory control. The company’s first product has the following features:

• Performs container spacing, collection and consolidation tasks.
• Handles #1, #2 and #3 containers.
• Operates 24/7 in typical greenhouse, hoop house and nursery environments.
• Works safely alongside humans.
• Is powered by quick-swap rechargeable batteries.
• Requires minimal training or operational changes.