Madrid-Made Robots Revolutionize Agriculture with AI-Powered Fruit Harvesting
Madrid, May 4 – Artificial intelligence is making significant inroads into traditional sectors, and agriculture is no exception. Rubén Miranda, a computer and robotics engineering graduate from Carlos III University of Madrid, is at the forefront of this transformation. His startup, Mifood Robots, founded in 2022, is developing autonomous robots that harvest fruits and vegetables using advanced AI, addressing long-standing challenges in the agri-food industry.
Miranda’s family background in agriculture, with farms and orchards in Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, inspired him to innovate. “I always knew I wanted to help the sector by developing solutions to labor problems and high salary costs,” he stated. He also noted the increasing automation in programming, leading him to seek a “plan B” to stay ahead of technological shifts. Mifood Robots has been recognized by AgroBank as one of Spain’s top 15 most innovative agri-food tech startups.
Advanced AI for Precise Harvesting
The core of Mifood Robots’ technology lies in its sophisticated AI algorithm. “We’ve created an AI-based algorithm that uses a processor and a graphics card to harmonize all images and detect fruits with the desired color, shape, and size, as specified by the farmer,” Miranda explained. An advanced version of the robot features a hyperspectral camera capable of perceiving humidity levels, sugar content, and ripeness of fruits like strawberries.
Currently, four robots are operational across Spain: in Lleida for apples and pears, and in Huelva and the Basque Country for strawberries. Each deployment begins with a thorough analysis of the farmer’s needs, considering factors like crop dimensions, terrain, and inclination. “We provide a quote within 24 hours and develop a virtualization and mapping plan to give the machine access to all farm information for efficient harvesting,” Miranda added.
Miranda’s team of AI and robotics engineers is continuously refining the algorithm. “We can now detect multiple elements with total accuracy. We also work with grapes and are close to releasing solutions for tomatoes, olives, almonds, and oranges – fruits that don’t need to be cut one by one but can be harvested by shaking the tree and collecting from the ground.” The cost of these robots ranges from 5,000 to 200,000 euros, depending on specific requirements, such as the number of robotic arms or wheel types for rocky terrain.
Optimizing the National Agri-Food Chain
The overarching goal of Mifood Robots is to optimize Spain’s entire agri-food chain, benefiting both producers and distributors. Miranda acknowledged that the Spanish agricultural sector isn’t a global leader like the Netherlands, but emphasized its immense potential. “The potential is there, and that’s where we want to make an impact. It’s one of the best territories for producing fruits and vegetables. We need to exploit our possibilities,” he asserted.
At 32, Miranda recognizes the traditional nature of the agricultural sector. “Our farmers come from a manual past and are not usually at the technological forefront. This increases the potential for innovation. The challenge is greater, but the opportunity is bigger, and we have the right tools to achieve it. We feel like we’re on a ship with the wind at our backs.”
The existing robots are undergoing continuous testing to enhance their efficiency. “Every day we take a new step with more economical and functional components. Harvesters tell us if it works well or if it could do better. Every farm is different, and the robot needs to be adapted, which is why it takes a little longer to reach everyone,” he explained.
Addressing Labor Shortages and Enhancing Efficiency
Miranda’s project directly addresses the scarcity of agricultural workers and the prevalence of temporary contracts. “Less than 30% of employees return year after year. Farmers have to find new people through lengthy hiring and training processes. The best solution is to automate it,” he stated.
These robots significantly boost efficiency, operating 24 hours a day, even at night when they can detect fruit using light. “Artificial intelligence is transforming jobs, automating those that are not a burden for workers, allowing them to dedicate themselves to tasks truly necessary for society,” Miranda added. For crops like strawberries, harvested only one or two months a year, renting a robot isn’t cost-effective. “That’s why we offer a complete service of irrigation, chemical application, and harvesting throughout the year. This way, the robot never stops working for 12 months. For the first few days, an operator ensures the robot works correctly.”
Rubén currently has a waiting list of farmers, despite having only four robots. “It has been quite challenging, but we want to handle more cases.” His long-term vision includes designing fully automated cultivation systems, from greenhouses to vertical farms.
Source: epe.es
