MUMBAI, India, Aug. 12 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641094156 A) filed by Presidency University on August 04, 2026, for Drone-Assisted System For Ripeness Identification And Harvesting Of Tree-Borne Crops.
Inventors include Dr. Ashok Itagi.; and Dr. Sreenivasappa B V.
The application for the patent was published on August 07, 2026, under issue no. 32/2026.
Abstract: ABSTRACT DRONE-ASSISTED SYSTEM FOR RIPENESS IDENTIFICATION AND HARVESTING OF TREE-BORNE CROPS The present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (1) and method for automated ripeness identification and harvesting of tree-borne crops, such as arecanuts. The system comprises drone (1) equipped with a camera (2) for detecting and analysing the ripeness of fruit bunches on trees. a plucking mechanism (3) for selectively detaching ripe fruits, and a collection unit (8) for storing the harvested produce. A remotely located control panel (10) allows an operator to monitor and control the UAV (1), with visual indicators and optional voice alerts signalling the detection of ripe fruits. The method includes capturing images of fruit bunches (4), processing the images to determine ripeness, actuating the plucking mechanism (3) to harvest ripe fruits (4), and collecting them in the onboard collection unit (8). The system reduces reliance on manual labour, enhances harvesting efficiency, and minimizes damage to unripe fruits (4) and trees Fig.1
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