Grant Information
| Knowledge Area | Subject of Investigation | Field of Science | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment | 920 - Orange | 2020 - Engineering | 100% |
We are seeking to develop a new technological approach to managing and harvesting citrus in High Density Groves, which is an emerging production system that offers solutions to the Florida citrus industries battles with pest, diseases, and high cost of labor. This multi-function platform will be used for harvesting as well as other production tasks such as spraying, hedging, mowing, and etc. The long term objective is to interchangeably harvest either fresh market or process destined fruit with the same platform. This USDA SBIR Phase II proposal will develop an Over the Top Citrus Harvesting (OTCH) system called the GeoSpider, which is specifically designed for high density groves. The GeoSpider is a multi-purpose equipment system which will operate in high-density size-controlled groves much in the same way that a tractor and implements operate in traditional field agriculture. The prime mover will be an Over the Top Platform (OTP) which is sized for the APS citrus grove. The most critical function will be citrus harvesting using mass harvesting approaches for process fruit market. In phase I, we developed and tested the Over the Top Citrus Harvester (OTCH) approach for mass harvesting, along with designing a suitable concept Over the Top Platform (OTP), which will support and power the OTCH, and allow mounting various implements for grove management. This Phase II project development will implement the mass harvesting system on an enhanced performance OTP with load leveling, along with the catch frame and material handling systems. In Phase I, prototype testing was conducted under research controlled field conditions, while the proposed Phase II will fully develop the Geo-Spider OTCH prototype and further validate mass harvesting under commercial grove conditions. Long term, Geo-Spider will have mass and selective harvesting capability plus other functionality which will give GeoSpider a significant market advantage and thus should be highly attractive to large and small citrus growers and custom production and harvesting companies. plan with our manufacturering partners, and potential investors so that by the end of Phase II we will be ready to implement the Phase III plan.
We are seeking to develop a new technological approach to managing and harvesting citrus in High Density Groves, which is an emerging production system that offers solutions to the Florida citrus industries battles with pest, diseases, and high cost of labor. This multi-function platform will be used for harvesting as well as other production tasks such as spraying, hedging, mowing, and etc. The long term objective is to interchangeably harvest either fresh market or process destined fruit with the same platform. However, this Phase II proposal focuses on harvesting fruit for juice which represents over 90% of the citrus production in Florida. This system will increase labor productivity, decrease production cost, and provide a safer more efficient approach to fruit harvesting. It will thus help the US citrus industry become more competitive in both US and global markets. The major goals and technical objectives of this Phase II SBIR are as follows:
Conceptually the Geo-Spider OTP is very similar to other OTP systems being employed in grape, olive, and blueberry harvesting. Companies such as MacTeq, OXBO Corp. and BEI currently manufacture this type of systems. Consequently many of the system concepts are already in the market place. For instance, OXBO manufactures a system for grape harvesting that is very similar to the Geo-Spider multi-function concept with the major difference being in the harvesting approach and plant size. As a result, there is a fairly significant body of knowledge in the market place on building OTP platforms. Likewise there are companies like OXBO and MacTeq that have built canopy shaking machines that are appropriate for citrus, but have not applied the technology to a high density grove which introduces complexity due to the compactness of the platform footprint. While keeping these companies in mind, we plan to seek to identify a candidate OTP manufacturer that can meet our compactness specification within an existing family of OTP systems. If we are unable to find a suitable platform for high density citrus, we will design our own system. In addition to the OTP, the primary research and development tasks for Over the Top Citrus Harvesting- Mass Harvester (OTCH-MH) will be 1) the shaking mechanism and mount design, 2) catch frame assembly, and 3) fruit conveyance approach. Fortunately, we have already begun work in these areas, or in the process. Through another R&D program funded by the State of Florida, University of Florida has been working on the development of a new active catch frame design for full size trees in traditional groves. The catch frame concepts employed for the full scale canopy shaker will be applicable to the high density application with minor modifications other than scaling. The internal fruit conveyance system should be straight forward and similar to other OTP applications. In Phase I our initial goals were to fabricate a scaled prototype of the proposed shaking mechanism and prepare a tractor drawn three-point hitch mount to propel the unit and power the shakers. This system would then be tested under research field conditions to insure that the concept will effectively harvest fruit on APS trees with in the space constraints. In addition, we planned to simultaneously develop a solid model of the OTCH-MH system with a candidate OTP. This would insure that the harvesting concept would integrate with the other systems components within the confines of the APS citrus grove. The solid model would incorporate all harvesting sub-systems with the vehicle platform, such as, shaker modules, catch frame, and material handling. During the lag time between Phase I and Phase II funding, design refinements were planned to facilitate harvesting sub-systems development. Once Phase II funding is secured, we will fabricate a full scale prototype of the shaking mechanism, catch frame and internal/external conveyance systems necessary to catch the fruit and convey to the follow behind transport vehicles called goats. During the testing process, an active product performance evaluation and redesign will be implemented to improve product prior to commercialization in Phase III. Field testing and experimentation of the canopy shaking mechanism (OTCH-MH) will be conducted at high density citrus groves in the state of Florida. The University of Florida has two model APS orchards, one in Citra, FL at the Plant Science Research Unit, and another in Immokalee at the SW Florida Research Center. The model grove in Citra, FL includes several varieties of citrus (orange, navel, grapefruit and tangerine) planted at various trial densities. In addition, there are numerous growers who have exhibited interest in cooperating with our program who have substantial APS groves planted (planned) and will be anxious to assist with the project.
Target Audience
The primary audience was Florida Citrus Industry growers and representatives who have interest in high density citrus production and harvesting. We also participated in Florida Horticultural Society meetings, field days and workshops were outcomes of this research were discussed.
Changes / Problems
The status of the phase II prototype rebuid was not completed. We accomplished the results that we desired in testing,design and modeling analysis. However, the continued assault from Citrus Greening (HLB) has forced supplemental funding sources to shift resources toward disease and pest related projects. As a result, in our third and fourth year (with no-cost extension), we were forced to cut back on fabrication labor and design support. This resulted in delays in design and fabrication that eventually lead to significant cutbacks in development efforts. We continue to work toward completion, but without funds to do many functions in a timely manner. Consequently, it may still be another year or so before the 2nd prototype is completed, but weare committed to pressing forward.
Training & Professional Development
During this project, pre-professional MS engineering graduates worked on significant aspects of the design, fabrication and testing. In addition, graduate students participated in design, analysis and testing.
Dissemination Streams
Yes, the outcomes of this work has been demonstrated to growers during field days and workshops. In addition, program outcomes have been presented and published in conference proceedings.
Next Reporting Steps
Nothing Reported