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Intelligent Robot Helps Preserve Orchard Meadows
An intelligent robot helps preserve orchard meadows. The Uni-versity of Hohenheim is developing an autonomous robot to help prune fruit trees so that they stay healthy as they grow old. | Image source: Orchard: University of Hohenheim / Dorothee Elsner, 3D scan: University of Hohenheim, Robots: University of Hohenheim / Emilie Jung / Key visual: Potente/unger+
Orchard meadows are among the most species-rich biotopes in Central Europe. But many orchards are in acute danger, as they are not economically viable. In the future, the autonomous robot from the University of Hohenheim will assist in the regular and professional pruning of trees. | Image source: University of Hohenheim / Dorothee Elsner
As the robot moves around the tree, we capture its three-dimensional structure using what is known as a LiDAR scanner. The image shows a 3D scan. | Image source: University of Hohenheim
The articulated arm is also used to move the pruner, a small chainsaw mounted on a telescopic pole, into the correct cutting position. | Image source: University of Hohenheim / Emilie Jung