University of Waikato engineering students have developed a new AI-driven harvesting technology aimed at reducing waste and increasing blueberry yields. The innovation will be presented at Fieldays from June 10-13, addressing inefficiencies noted by student Thomas Hocking during his experience as a harvester driver.

• 01The new technology aims to optimize the shaking process of blueberry harvesters to reduce waste.
• 02Thomas Hocking, a third-year mechanical engineering student, identified inefficiencies in current harvesting methods.
• 03The automation system includes a better fruit-checking mechanism to enhance yield consistency.
• 04Hocking's design was inspired by his firsthand experience driving blueberry harvesters for 12-hour shifts.
• 05The technology will be showcased at Fieldays, a major agricultural event in New Zealand.

This technology could significantly improve the efficiency of blueberry harvesting, impacting local farmers' profits and sustainability.