Robotic Grass Cutter for Orchards (RoCutO)

Idea development programme at HVL

The concept of developing a Robotic Grass Cutter for Orchards (RoCutO) is a compelling response to the pressing challenges encountered by fruit and berry producers in Western Norway. The region's rich tradition of fruit and berry production has deep economic roots, yet the industry grapples with the burden of high labor costs and the disruptive presence of invasive under-crop vegetation. RoCutO's mission to provide an autonomous solution for groundcover management holds the promise of revitalizing this sector.

RoCutO's design presents a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge technology and practicality. It offers a small, robust 4x4 mobile robot equipped with advanced cameras and sensor systems, tailored to navigate and adapt to the rugged and dynamic orchard environment. The ability to function wirelessly and adapt its cutting width and height to obstacles, such as trees and stones, makes RoCutO a versatile and agile solution. This robotic system has the potential to not only alleviate the immediate concerns of fruit and berry production in Western Norway but also opens doors to export opportunities. It symbolizes innovation meeting tradition, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future for orchard management.