Autonomous plant tissue sampling robot for greenhouse environments
Introducing an autonomous robot designed for efficient plant tissue sampling in greenhouses, featuring a suction-assisted end-effector for precise leaf handling and sample collection. Ideal for agricultural research and plant breeding applications.
Overview
This autonomous plant tissue sampling robot is designed to revolutionize the way plant samples are collected in greenhouse environments. By integrating a suction-assisted end-effector with a robotic arm mounted on a mobile rover, this system efficiently and accurately collects plant leaf samples and transfers them into a 96-well format plate. This solution is ideal for applications in agricultural research and plant breeding, providing a faster, more precise, and less labor-intensive alternative to manual sampling.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Suction-assisted end-effector: Designed to hold plant leaves steadily while a punching mechanism extracts samples.
- Robotic arm and rover integration: The end-effector is mounted on a robotic arm with at least 5 degrees of freedom, attached to a rover capable of navigating in greenhouse environments.
- Advanced perception system: Utilizes a deep-learning model for leaf detection and a depth camera for localization.
- Automated sample transfer: Capable of transferring samples into a 96-well format plate, streamlining the process of sample collection.
- Navigation and control: Uses ROS for programming and includes a SLAM-based navigation system for autonomous movement within greenhouse settings.
Technology readiness level
This innovative system is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future steps include refining the end-effector design, integrating the system components on a UGV robot, and conducting extensive testing in real greenhouse settings to optimize performance.
About Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university based in Starkville with a large residential campus and a statewide footprint. Industry connects through an adjacent research and technology park that co‑locates corporate tenants with university labs, prototyping spaces, and co‑op and internship pipelines. As the state’s land‑grant, MSU runs an extensive extension network and experiment stations that offer field‑scale testbeds and rapid access to partners across Mississippi. Research is supported by competitive funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, DoD, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation, with corporate engagement staff shaping sponsored research.
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