Construction and evaluation of a semi-automatic strawberry picking machine

In this study, a semi-automatic strawberry harvester was developed, and the performance of the system was evaluated. In the system, the operator located on the machine picks strawberries from the plant and puts them on the tray, and the harvesting process is performed. The system can change the forward speed and harvesting height. In three replications, the effect of harvester forward speed at three levels of 0.5, 1, and 2 km/h and harvesting height at 50, 65, and 80 cm on the percentage of harvest, losses, and plant damage were evaluated. The experimental data were analyzed using SAS software based on the factorial test in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the effect of the two discussed factors on the percentage of harvest, losses, and plant damage at the probability level of 1% are significant. However, the effect of harvest height on losses at the probability level of 5% was significant. Also, their interaction was significant for the percentage of harvesting and loss at 1% and plant damage at 5%. The best combination of parameters for the system, including harvester forward speed of 0.8 km/h and placement height of 60 cm, were obtained by Response surface method and Design expert software.