Minoru Kurita

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Minoru Kurita is a pioneering researcher in agricultural robotics, with a focused expertise in the development of specialized harvesting systems for high-value crops. His most notable contribution is the design and evaluation of the movable-type harvesting robot for strawberries, a project that directly addresses the critical labor shortages and efficiency demands in modern horticulture. This work, detailed in his 2011 paper, demonstrates a practical, automated solution for delicate fruit picking, integrating mobility with precision manipulation to reduce crop damage and improve harvest speed. While his highly specialized research has garnered over 8 citations, its true impact lies in its foundational role for subsequent advancements in soft-fruit robotics. Kurita’s engineering approach—combining mechanical design with real-world field testing—has provided a tangible blueprint for automating one of agriculture’s most challenging tasks, establishing him as a key contributor to the evolution of intelligent farming systems.