Robotics for a Quality-Driven Post-harvest Supply Chain

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review This article explores the current state of robotic technology and its potential to improve post-harvest supply chain quality management and decision-making. Recent Findings Soft-robotics is paving the way towards generalized gripping solutions, which are highly relevant for handling fragile fresh products. Besides gripping potential, it is imperative to study the impact of these solutions on fresh product quality and safety. Automated mobile robots, AMRs, present new opportunities for automating post-harvest warehouse operations. Moreover, AMRs enable new possibilities to monitor and map qualitative and climatic changes, and to take quality-driven (semi-)autonomous actions. Summary A review of advances in robotic manipulation and navigation technologies is presented in terms of their potential to monitor, maintain, and preserve the fresh produce quality. Soft-robotics and AMRs offer technologies with the potential to transform post-harvest supply chains. Future research should focus on leveraging these technologies and investigate their potential for quality management and quality-driven decision-making.