Portable autonomous robotic system for plant tissue sampling in greenhouses
Innovative robotic system for autonomous plant tissue sampling in greenhouses, offering precise sample collection and storage. Utilizes off-the-shelf components for affordability and ease of maintenance, with remote operation capability and adaptable across greenhouses.
Overview
The portable autonomous robotic system is designed to revolutionize plant tissue sampling in greenhouses. This innovative solution enables precise and efficient sampling of up to 100 plant tissues in a single operation, ensuring sample integrity. The system autonomously navigates greenhouses, identifies specific plants and tissues, and collects samples, which are stored in snap-on plastic containers for easy management. This technology leverages off-the-shelf components and advanced machine learning algorithms, making it affordable, easy to maintain, and adaptable for various greenhouse environments.
Technical specifications
- Autonomous Navigation: Utilizes drones for navigation aid and obstacle avoidance, while rovers perform plant sampling.
- Sample Collection: Capable of collecting and storing up to 100 samples in 96-well containers.
- Modular Design: Built with market-available parts for easy maintenance and cost-effectiveness.
- Advanced Algorithms: Incorporates vision-based and deep reinforcement learning algorithms for plant/tissue identification and navigation.
- Remote Assistance: Can be operated with remote assistance from a base station, enhancing operational flexibility.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a lab environment. The next steps include developing vision-based algorithms, robotic arm mechanisms for tissue sampling, and optimized navigation algorithms to transition towards higher TRL stages.
About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University is a comprehensive public research university and academic health center in Richmond, combining broad disciplinary breadth with a downtown, two‑campus footprint and top‑tier (R1) research activity. Integration with VCU Health enables large‑scale clinical research and translation, while shared core research facilities support collaborative, industry‑oriented R&D. Its urban location places faculty and students adjacent to the VA Bio+Tech Park and within a growing Mid‑Atlantic innovation corridor, and an optional engineering co‑op program creates a reliable talent pipeline for partners. Research is backed by competitive federal funding, including NIH and NSF. VCU TechTransfer and Ventures manages IP, licensing and startup formation.
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