Tag Archives: harvester

Baby leaf harvesting and sorting machine unveiled

What is claimed to be the world’s first baby leaf harvester with automatic sorting capabilities has been demonstrated in a field of spinach grown by Toro Verde near Cartagena in Spain.

The Bellavista harvester is a joint venture between Parma-based Raytec Vision, specialists in automatic and visual sorting equipment, and new Italian company Gemini SRL. According to the manufacturers Bellavista can sort foreign bodies directly in the field thanks to a Near Infrared (NIR) vision system and chlorophyll analysis. This aspect is performed by Raytec Vision’s Rayfly optical sorting technology which is capable of preventing sunlight interference with the vision analysis.

More than 15 different companies attended the demonstration of the machine which uses a 75 hp EPA-certified engine, coupled to a four-wheel drive system with intelligent traction control. Reports suggest that particular attention has been paid to operator efficiency with comfortable seating, positioned strategically to provide clear and uninterrupted view of the harvesting operations and a large colour touch screen monitor.

“Bellavista is not only synonymous with quality, efficiency and safety, it is also distinguished by a particular attention to comfort,” commented Marcos Pincu of Raytec. “Driving is also in a strategic position to control all the harvesting operations, ensuring a complete visual on the cutting area, on the conveyor, the beater as well as the unloading area.”

Photo Credit: YouTube / Raytec Vision

The post Baby leaf harvesting and sorting machine unveiled appeared first on Hort News 14 March 2018.

Robotic asparagus picker demonstrated

A robotic asparagus harvester with the potential to replace up to 10 pickers has been demonstrated in the Netherlands.

Developed by technology company Demcon as part of a project with Saxion college, the machine works by measuring the height of the spear above the top of the bed. The unit works the asparagus loose underground and pulls the spear out of the bed. Mounted on a trolley-like frame, the tractor keeps moving forward while the robot stops, harvests and then continues.

The machine covers around 1 hectare per hour and is expected to be commercially available in a couple years. Current costs are around €500,000 per machine.

The post Robotic asparagus picker demonstrated appeared first on Hort News.