MUMBAI, India, Nov. 2 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641122856 A) filed by Jeppiaar Institute Of Technology on October 14, 2026, for A Smart Sensor-Based System For Detection And Precision Harvesting Underground Truffles.
Inventors include Vishnu Prabha B; Dr. D. Paulraj; Kamalesh; Aarthi. R; Dharani Sri P; and Jasannucia M.
The application for the patent was published on October 30, 2026, under issue no. 44/2026.
Abstract: Truffles are high-value underground fungi that are difficult to locate and harvest due to their hidden growth beneath the soil. Traditional methods rely on trained animals such as dogs, which are expensive, inconsistent, and not scalable for widespread agricultural use. This project proposes the design and development of a Truffle Detection and Harvesting Device (Truffle Bot) to provide an affordable, efficient, and technology-driven solution. The system uses a probe-based sensing unit equipped with gas, moisture, and pH sensors to collect underground soil data. These sensors detect key parameters such as truffle aroma compounds, soil moisture levels, and soil acidity, which are essential indicators of truffle presence. The collected data is processed using a microcontroller (Arduino/Raspberry Pi), which analyzes the conditions and predicts the likelihood of truffle growth. The results are communicated to the user through an output unit such as an LED, buzzer, or display. Once detection is confirmed, a precision digging tool enables careful harvesting, minimizing damage to the truffle and surrounding soil. This system reduces dependency on trained animals, improves detection accuracy, and enhances harvesting efficiency. The proposed solution is particularly relevant for emerging truffle cultivation regions like parts of India, where suitable climatic conditions exist but technological support is limited. Overall, this project aims to make truffle farming more accessible, scalable, and economically viable through smart agricultural innovation.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
