THE SMART AND GENTLE ROBOT THAT KNOWS HOW TO TREAT SWEET POTATOES

 

🔎 Sweet potatoes have become part of our daily diet, expanding their popularity in the global markets. According to a new study, the sweet potato market will enjoy an annual growth rate of 6% in 2022-2029, reaching a value of $68 billion in 2029¹.

We should not take this market growth for granted: sweet potatoes need a lot of careful handling in order to get from the fields and all the way to us, as they are unique with a variety of shapes and delicate skin.

Studies found that there is a significant postharvest loss due to difficulties in handling. Specifically, the processes of sorting and packaging sweet potatoes come with a high risk of skinning, bruises, cuts and broken ends². This is why a smart and elaborate sorting and packaging line is needed.

Eshet Eilon, in partnership with Assatec Robotics and NSIX Vision, has created automated packaging processes that are ideal for sweet potatoes. With a unique software and robotic dispatcher, the sorting machines pick up a specific product on the conveyor and place it in boxes, so that all sweet potatoes are nicely arranged.

This process relies on image analysis from three 3D cameras – one above the input conveyor and two more above the box. The 3D vision system provides optimal position for each potato. The entire cycle of guided pick & place of one sweet potato takes just 1.2 seconds.

The robot is able to grab the sweet potatoes of different shapes at a high speed, thanks to adaptive pressure control and flexible fingers. This achieves fast, elegant and reliable pick & place operation and allows for a gentle and yet efficient way to sort and pack sweet potatoes of all shapes and sizes.

References:

¹ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-sweet-potatoes-market

² https://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sweetpotatoes_postharvest-1.pdf?fwd=no