Huirong Xu

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Huirong Xu is a pioneering researcher in agricultural robotics and precision sensing, whose work bridges the gap between machine perception and fruit harvesting automation. Her key research areas include flexible sensing technologies, thermal imaging for crop detection, and intelligent grasping systems for horticultural applications. Xu’s most notable contribution is the development of a flexible sensing claw that integrates grasping perception with firmness prediction for kiwifruit, achieving 16 citations since its 2023 publication. This innovation enables robots to assess fruit ripeness during harvest, reducing damage and improving quality control. Earlier, her 2004 study on detecting citrus in tree canopies using infrared thermal imaging (9 citations) laid foundational work for overcoming low identification rates in conventional machine vision systems, comparing fruit location methods to enhance robotic harvesting accuracy. By combining thermal imaging with tactile sensing, Xu has advanced the field of soft robotics for agriculture, offering practical solutions for non-destructive fruit handling. Her work continues to influence the design of intelligent harvesting systems, making her a key figure in sustainable agricultural automation.