Blueprint sketch of the in-orchard harvesting aid that MSU researchers are currently working on.
MSU researchers are developing an in-orchard harvesting aid, or sorting machine, which would provide a technique to help farmers gather apples more efficiently and safely.
Dr. Renfa Lu, project leader for the U.S. Department of Agricultural program at MSU, said he talked to farmers a couple years ago and indicated this machine will benefit them by using technology to distinguish healthy apples within orchards.
“In other words, I told them if we can create a machine which can remove those apples that are not suitable for a fresh market, or making juice, the growers will save the industry cost in the storage and in the packaging,” Lu said. “In addition, it will also help them reduce the disease insect problems during post-harvest orchard.”
Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, or MAC, funded the in-orchard harvesting aid. Smith said Lu’s project is part of the mission of the MAC to engage in research for the profit of Michigan’s apple growers.
“We continually struggle with a shortage of agricultural labor, and the technology developed through Dr. Lu’s project may help to address that challenge,” Smith said. “MAC represents all 850 apple growers in Michigan. This project has the potential to benefit all of them, if it allows for apples to be harvested in a efficient and affordable way.”
Tyler Harris, biosystems and engineering freshman, said he is a part of the Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, or ENSURE, program at MSU and has made physical contributions to the machine.
Royce Sperry, biosystems and engineering senior, is part of the project by helping manufacture parts of the machine.
“The goal for the project is to do actual testing with the machine in an apple orchard this coming apple season, which is this fall,” Sperry said.
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