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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported
me throughout the development of my final year project, the AI-Powered Fruit
Picking Device.
Firstly, we extend my sincere thanks to my project supervisor, DR. Sunil
Kumar, for their invaluable guidance, expertise, and unwavering support
throughout this project. Their insights and constructive feedback helped shape
the direction of my research and development.
We would also like to thank my fellow classmates and friends, for their
encouragement and collaboration during the project. Their discussions and
brainstorming sessions were instrumental in overcoming various challenges.
Special thanks to the faculty and staff of the Mechanical Engineering at SLIET
Punjab for providing the necessary resources and an excellent academic
environment that encouraged innovation and creativity.
We appreciate the support and understanding of my family, whose
encouragement motivated me to persist through the challenges faced during
this project.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge all the researchers and authors whose
work inspired and informed my project. Your contributions to the field of
mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence have been invaluable.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement.
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S.No. Topic
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS
4. BLOCK DIAGRAM
5. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
6. APPLICATION AND BENEFIT
7. OBJECTIVE
8. REFERENCE
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ABSTRACT
The AI-Powered Fruit Picking Device is an innovative solution designed to
enhance efficiency in agricultural harvesting through advanced machine
learning and imaging technologies. This project aims to develop a semi-
autonomous system capable of identifying ripe fruits, thus minimizing human
labour and maximizing yield. The device employs a combination of computer
vision and artificial intelligence to analyse fruit characteristics, such as colour,
size, and texture, to determine ripeness accurately.
Utilizing high-resolution cameras and sensors, the device scans fruit trees,
collects data, and processes it in real-time. When the system identifies ripe
fruits, it activates precision cutting mechanisms that efficiently harvest the fruit
without damaging surrounding crops or the plant itself. The integration of AI
allows for continuous learning, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the
device over time.
This project addresses labour shortages in agriculture, promotes sustainable
farming practices, and aims to increase the overall productivity of fruit orchards.
By automating the fruit-picking process, the AI-Powered Fruit Picking Device
holds the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices, making them more
efficient and less labour-intensive while ensuring optimal harvesting times for
better fruit quality.
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INTRODUCTION
This project focuses on developing an Al-powered fruit-picking device designed
for efficient and automated harvesting from the ground. Traditional fruit-picking
methods require manual labor or specialized machinery that often involves
climbing trees or using ladders, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive,
and potentially hazardous. This device leverages artificial intelligence to identify
and harvest ripe fruits without the need for a person to physically reach each
fruit.
The system comprises a robotic or telescopic arm equipped with a camera and
Al sensor to capture real-time images of fruits on trees. Using advanced image
recognition software, powered by machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow
or YOLO, the device can accurately determine fruit ripeness based on color, size,
and other visual characteristics. A microcontroller, such as a Raspberry Pi or
NVIDIA Jetson, processes the data and controls the arm's movement, enabling
precise positioning for fruit selection.
Once a ripe fruit is detected, the device activates a servo motor that operates
motorized shears or clippers, carefully cutting the fruit from the branch. A
rechargeable battery powers the device, making it portable and sustainable for
use in orchards or farms. Additionally, a remote control provides manual
oversight, allowing operators to guide the device for optimal accuracy. This AI-
driven solution offers a safer, faster, and more scalable alternative to
traditional fruit-picking methods, benefiting farmers and agricultural industries
looking to enhance productivity.
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AUTOMATION AND CONTROL
1. Fruit Detection and Localization: A computer vision system (likely
using cameras and deep learning models like YOLO or Faster R-CNN) will
analyse images/video to identify ripe fruit based on colour, shape, and
texture features. The system will pinpoint the fruit's location in 3D space.
2. Fruit Classification: A separate or integrated machine learning model
will classify the identified fruit into different types (apples, oranges, etc.).
This might use features extracted from the images plus potentially other
data (e.g., size estimates).
3. Robotic Arm Control: A robotic arm, guided by the location data from
step 1, will navigate to the ripe fruit. Precise control is crucial for
successful picking. This likely uses algorithms for path planning and
obstacle avoidance.
4. Fruit Cutting Mechanism: A cutting mechanism (e.g., a small, sharp
blade or a suction cup) will carefully sever the fruit from the plant. The
design needs to minimize damage to the plant and surrounding fruit.
5. Fruit Handling and Sorting : After cutting, the device may include a
system to gently collect and potentially sort the harvested fruit.
Model Design
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BLOCK DIAGRAM
1. Start: The process begins.
2. Image Capture: A camera or imaging system captures images of the fruit.
3. AI Processing: Artificial intelligence algorithms analyse the captured
images to determine the ripeness of the fruit.
4. Ripeness Decision: Based on the AI's analysis, a decision is made: is the
fruit ripe enough to harvest?
5. If Ripe (Yes): The process proceeds to the next steps. If not ripe (No), the
process loops back to "Image Capture" to continue monitoring the fruit.
6. Fruit Collection: A robotic arm or other mechanism collects the ripe fruit.
7. Active Cutting Tool: A tool, likely a specialized cutting mechanism on the
robotic arm, cuts the fruit from the plant.
8. Robotic Arm Positioning: The robotic arm precisely positions itself to
collect and cut the fruit efficiently.
9. Repeat Process: The entire process (from image capture onwards) repeats
to harvest more ripe fruit.
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HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
• Software and AI Components
• AI Model for Ripeness Detection:
• Image Recognition Model: Uses TensorFlow or YOLO to classify
ripeness based on color, texture, and other visual features.
• Data Set: Images of the target fruit at various ripeness stages for
training.
• Training Platform: TensorFlow, PyTorch, or any other AI framework.
• Microcontroller Programming:
• Python or C++: To program the microcontroller to control the robotic
arm, interpret camera data, and activate the cutting tool.
This Photo by Unknown Author
• Hardware Components
• RGB Camera: For capturing images of the fruit.
• Servo Motor: To control the positioning and movement of the cutting
mechanism.
• Rechargeable Battery: To power the device (e.g., Lithium-ion battery).
• Arduino: The Arduino likely controls the robotic arm's motors and
sensors, acting as the interface between the AI (which determines
ripeness) and the physical hardware that harvests the fruit.
• Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi acts as a compact, low-cost computer. It
would run the AI algorithms analyzing images from a camera to identify
ripe fruit and control the robotic arm.
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• Servo Motor: A servo motor provides precise, controlled rotational
movement, ideal for positioning the robotic arm in my AI-powered fruit-
picking device to accurately reach and harvest fruit.
• Cutting blades: A specialized cutting blade, likely small and sharp,
designed for cleanly severing fruit from its stem or branch with minimal
damage to the fruit itself. The design would prioritize precision and
safety.
• LiPo batteries: LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries are lightweight,
rechargeable batteries offering high energy density, making them ideal
for powering portable devices like your AI-powered fruit picker, providing
long runtimes.
• Camera: A high-resolution camera, ideally with a wide field of view and
good color accuracy, is essential for capturing images of the fruit for
analysis by the AI.
• Ultrasonic Sensor: The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to the
fruit using sound waves, allowing the robotic arm to accurately position
itself for harvesting.
• Controller: The controller manages the robotic arm, cutting tool, image
processing, and AI decision-making processes, coordinating all
components of the fruit-picking device.
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APPLICATION AND BENEFIT
1. Orchards and Large-Scale Farms
- Automates the fruit harvesting process for crops like apples, oranges,
mangoes, and pears.
- Reduces dependency on seasonal labor, making it an ideal solution for large
farms.
- Ensures a consistent and high-quality harvest by accurately identifying ripe
fruits.
2. Greenhouses
- Perfect for controlled agricultural environments where space and resources
are limited.
- Helps in optimizing fruit harvesting within these settings by using AI for
precise ripeness detection.
3. Urban and Vertical Farming
- Useful in urban agricultural setups like rooftop gardens and vertical farms.
- Provides an efficient and compact harvesting solution for small spaces.
4. Small-Scale Farming
- Affordable and user-friendly for individual farmers.
- Reduces manual effort and time required for harvesting, allowing farmers to
focus on other tasks.
5. Agricultural Research and Development
- Serves as a tool for studying ripeness patterns, yield optimization, and plant
health.
- Allows researchers to collect data on fruit growth cycles and develop
improved farming practices.
6. Precision Farming
- Integrates seamlessly into precision agriculture systems, providing data on
fruit quality, quantity, and distribution.
- Enhances decision-making for farmers by providing insights into crop
conditions.
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7. Export-Oriented Farming
- Ensures that fruits meet strict quality standards for export by minimizing
damage and maintaining consistency.
- Speeds up the harvesting process, allowing farmers to meet tight deadlines
for shipment.
8. Post-Disaster Farming Recovery
- Helpful in scenarios where labor shortages occur due to disasters or
pandemics.
- Provides a reliable solution for continuous fruit harvesting without reliance
on human workers.
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OBJECTIVES
• Develop an Al-powered system capable of identifying ripe fruits using
image recognition technologies like Tensor-Flow or YOLO.
• Design a robotic or telescopic arm that can reach and harvest fruits from
varying heights and positions on the tree.
• Integrate real-time camera sensors (RGB or depth) to capture images of
fruits and relay data to the AI model for ripeness assessment.
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REFERENCES
1. Research Papers:
- "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture" – Journal of Agricultural Research, 2022.
- "Robotics in Precision Farming: A Review" – International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems,
2023.
2. Software Tools and Libraries:
- TensorFlow: [https://www.tensorflow.org](https://www.tensorflow.org)
- YOLO (You Only Look Once):
[https://github.com/AlexeyAB/darknet](https://github.com/AlexeyAB/darknet)
3. Hardware Components:
- Raspberry Pi: [https://www.raspberrypi.org](https://www.raspberrypi.org)
- NVIDIA Jetson:
[https://developer.nvidia.com/embedded/jetson](https://developer.nvidia.com/embedded/jetson)
4. Articles and Reports:
- "AI in Agriculture: Automation and Optimization" – AgTech Insights, 2023.
- "Robotic Arms for Automated Harvesting" – Robotics Today, 2024.
5. Websites:
- Modern Robotics in Farming: [https://www.farmprogress.com](https://www.farmprogress.com)
- Sustainable Farming Innovations: [https://www.agriculture.com](https://www.agriculture.com)
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