Working in a greenhouse is both strenuous and time-consuming. The picking robot from ETH spin-off Floating Robotics takes on particularly repetitive tasks, thereby alleviating the strain on human pickers. It is currently undergoing testing at Beerstecher AG in Hinwil.
The work in the greenhouse at Beerstecher AG in Hinwil is demanding. With humidity levels of 80% and temperatures of up to 35°C, those working in it very soon find themselves exhausted. The family business in Hinwil is consequently faced with a challenge when finding and retaining suitable labor for its vegetable harvests.
The picking robot from ETH spin-off Floating Robotics addresses these challenges. It automates crucial tasks such as defoliating, harvesting and boxing vegetables. "The robot primarily takes over strenuous and repetitive activities, allowing our employees to focus on more demanding tasks that require a creative and critical mindset," explains Bianca Curcio, who is responsible for production management in the Beerstecher greenhouse and is an ETH Zurich alumna.
Although the robot is still in the pilot phase, Curcio anticipates it will play a permanent role in Beerstecher AG's production process.
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