Automation of commercial wild blueberry harvester to improve harvestable berry yield and minimize operator stress

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The wild blueberry industry is facing increased harvesting losses (15 to 25%), caused by substantial variation in crop parameters (plant height, plant density, fruit zone), field conditions (rocks, slope, bare spots, weeds) and fruit yield. Currently, the harvester operator has to frequently adjust machine settings (head height, ground speed, header rpm) manually, based on his/her judgment, according to the variation in crop/field conditions, and fruit yield to reduce fruit loss. The unique features of the wild blueberry cropping system as compared to other closed canopy crops emphasize the need for the development of automated systems to increase harvester and operator efficiency in order to improve berry yield and quality. The overall goal of the proposed research initiative is to develop a cost-effective sensing and control system to automate blueberry harvester to increase harvestable yield and decrease operator stress. Wild blueberry growers set a goal to increase harvestable yield by 33% in the next five years. To achieve this milestone, the technology based products and processes envisioned include; (i) develop an innovative technology to sense plant height, ground/rock and fruit yields in real-time during harvesting; (ii) develop a computerized automated control system to facilitate on -the- go decision making regarding head height, ground speed and head rpm during harvesting; (iii) compare automated harvester with traditional harvester to improve berry picking efficiency; and (iv) replacement of non-automated harvester with innovative automated harvester. This proposal is part of a multi¬disciplinary research effort at Dalhousie University in collaboration with Doug Bragg Enterprises, Collingwood, Nova Scotia. This collaboration between industry and scientists was initiated to develop innovative and viable technologies that will enhance harvestable yield, assist with stabilization of yields over time, and increase farm profitability and ultimately lead to a more sustainable wild blueberry industry in Canada. Increased harvesting efficiency (say 5% only) with no additional expense would contribute $5.5 million to the NS economy and $31 million to Atlantic Provinces and Quebec every year.