Jan 29, 2026

USDA, MSU develop dual-arm fruit picking robot to drive harvest efficiency

USDA-ARS researchers, in collaboration with Michigan State University, are testing a dual-arm fruit harvesting robot to enhance harvest efficiency.

According to a post on aglab.ars.usda.gov, the new robot demonstrated up to a 34% improvement in harvesting efficiency, compared to the single-arm robot. Researchers say the machine shows potential for further performance enhancement. 

As any commercial fruit grower knows, harvesting labor is the single largest cost in the production of apples and other tree fruits. This new robot design provides a commercially viable solution to automated harvesting of apples, which is critical to the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of the U.S. apple industry.

Take a look for yourself via the video below:

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