A Hong Kong company has introduced a new robotic grape harvester at the 2026 Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair in China, offering an alternative to manual collection.
The machine, which is currently working in Turpan, Xinjiang, can gather as much as 4,800 kg of grapes in an eight-hour period, based on statements from the firm's designer. This rate reaches six to ten times the speed of traditional hand picking, assisting agricultural workers with staff shortages during peak gathering periods.
To operate, the system relies on deep learning, artificial intelligence vision, and various sensors to spot grape bunches based on ripeness, dimensions, and hue. A mechanical arm then detaches the fruit accurately.
The creator noted in August that two machines were already functioning in Xinjiang, proving the technology extends beyond exhibition displays. Additionally, the equipment performs crop spraying and runs on a battery lasting up to 12 hours.