Image of a two-row robotic grape pruner under development by Vision Robotics. The same company working to develop robotic harvesters for the tree fruit industry is using its know-how to build a two-row mechanical grape pruner that would make selective pruning cuts. A proof-of-concept unit could be in the field for demonstration by 2009. The robotic grape pruner may be closer to market than related equipment they are developing for the citrus and tree fruit industry, said Derek Morikawa, chief executive officer of Vision Robotics, located in San Diego, California. He hopes to have an industry investment group put together […]