Floating Robotics, a spinoff company from ETH Zurich, has developed a picking robot for use in greenhouses.

To alleviate the strain on human pickers working in greenhouses and exposed to high temperatures and high levels of humidity, Floating Robotics has created a robot that can automate tasks such as harvesting, defoliating and boxing vegetables.

Although still in the pilot phase, the picking robot is expected to eventually ease the turnover of human pickers in such industries and allow them to concentrate on higher value tasks instead of strenuous, repetitive work.

The robot is reportedly equipped with an integrated camera that enables it to monitor crops, while a built-in computer helps the picker to recognize different plants and objects.

For now, the picking robot is being trialed at Beerstecher AG in Hinwil, Switzerland.

For more information on the picking robot, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Floating Robotics.