Australian scientists are spearheading a research initiative to develop a robotic arm aimed at automating the labor-intensive and repetitive aspects of banana processing. The A$2m research program, delivered through Hort Innovation, is a collaborative effort involving the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Future Food Systems, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, and BNL Industrial Solutions.

The program will leverage computer vision and machine learning technologies to devise a solution for ‘banana de-handing’, a process that involves separating the banana fruit from the stalk. Automating this physically demanding task could enhance processing efficiencies and serve as a crucial integration point for robotics systems.

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield emphasized that investing in emerging technology to simplify production is a key priority, given the workforce challenges, supply chain issues, and disease threats. If successful, this technology could potentially be applied to other crops to support the Australian fruit and vegetable supply.

QUT lead researcher Chris Lehnert stated that the goal is commercialization. Over the next two years, a prototype robot for banana de-handing will be built and integrated with a vision system that enables it to ‘see’ the actions it needs to perform. The prototype will then be trialed at the ARM Hub’s testing facility for further testing and demonstrations to growers and potential investors. Leanne Erakovic, CEO of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, noted that the banana industry is closely monitoring the project. As banana de-handing is a core process in all banana packing sheds, any efficiencies gained through robotic technology could significantly reduce growers’ processing costs, benefiting both the industry and consumers.