Strawberry Runner Cutter
Principal Investigator: Dr. Xu 'Kevin' Wang
Dept. of Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Gulf Coast Research & Education Center
University of Florida
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Time Affiliated: April 2024 - Present
Research Focus
Strawberry stolons, or ‘runners’, are crucial for vegetative propagation and influencing fruit yield. Traditional manual removal of runners in the field environment is inefficient, laborious, and economically burdensome. There is a pressing need for an automated, precise method to cut runners, aiming to enhance strawberry cultivation efficiency. This project is dedicated to building a robotic prototype that integrates machine vision for the detection and localization of strawberry runners, coupled with a mechanical system designed to precisely cut the runners, tailored to fit the plastic mulch farming practices prevalent in Florida. These goals collectively aim to create a comprehensive and user-friendly platform that aligns with the specific needs of strawberry growers and breeders, promoting sustainability and productivity in the cultivation process.
Project Responsibilities
In developing the runner cutter platform, the primary objectives are the following:
- A machine vision module that is able to identify the runners (developed), localize the runners, and drive the mechanical module aim the runners.
- A mechanical component that must be capable of detaching runners and compatible with organic plant and bedding plastic materials.
- Deployment of the system onto ground-based field vehicle platforms.
Field Imaging Platform
Principal Investigator: Dr. Xu 'Kevin' Wang
Dept. of Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Gulf Coast Research & Education Center
University of Florida
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Time Affiliated: April 2023 - August 2023
Research Focus
As the agricultural industry moves into a digital age in which artificial intelligence plays a role of increasing importance in all components of production , it is necessary to construct digital models which can support the automated technology. Strawberry production, a specialty crop in the state of Florida, requires the design of unique technology in order to accomplish similar tasks already available in larger production crops. This project is dedicated to building a robotic field vehicle platform that can be used to capture the required data to train an AI-based model for strawberry component detection. The goals collectively aim to build a multipurpose platform that supports the specific needs of the strawberry industry and can be adapted for use in image collection, as well as other future automated processes.
Project Responsibilities
In developing the field imaging platform, the primary objectives are the following:
- Make mechanical adjustments to the base platform to provide sufficient space for imagery technology.
- Design an environment with controllable light settings and camera capture integration.
- Test and ensure the strength of the vehicle frame for protection of the platform, the sensory equipment, and the operator.
Testing the base AMIGA platform for proper sizing in the strawberry crop field with new extended support beams and driver chair
Modeling the field vehicle platform in SolidWorks CAD software for design and strength testing prior to construction
Final vehicle platform design, with mounted RTK GPS unit and computer stand for driver to communicate with interior mounted cameras
Interior of the field vehicle platform with mounted cameras, lights, and sensors
Other Contributions
Principal Investigator: Dr. Xu 'Kevin' Wang
Dept. of Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Gulf Coast Research & Education Center
University of Florida
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Time Affiliated: May 2022 - Present
Research Focus
As an Ag Engineering Intern and Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Plant Phenomics Lab at UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, I frequently collaborate with other team members and community partners in order to meet the goals of larger projects. This section outlines some of this work.
Project Responsibilities
In supporting other laboratory projects, the primary objectives are the following:
- Employ small drones (UAS) and RTK navigation systems for aerial operations missions.
- Utilize CAD software and rapid prototyping for development of parts used in photogrammetry systems.
- Engage in extension work with local farmers and agricultural students using research technology.
As a lab member, I support data collection by serving as the pilot-in-command on small UAV operations
I operate rapid prototyping and 3-D printing of components necessary for various lab projects
Utilizing CAD software, I design 3-D components for lab projects, such as these support structures for a clam phenotyping system
Another example of a 3-D designed mount system to connect a sensor set to a laboratory UAV
Using SolidWorks CAD software to ensure the stress properties of a drone sensor mount prior to printing and testing
Design of simple electronic systems, such as this motion counting system used for tomatoes
