Overview

• Frasky, built by the Italian Institute of Technology’s Soft Robotics unit within the JOiiNT LAB, navigated, mapped, and applied selective treatments at the Le Corne winery in Grumello del Monte.
• The system pairs a commercial outdoor mobile platform with a robotic arm and hand that use an integrated camera to locate grape clusters and guide manipulation.
• Software is organized into navigation, perception, and manipulation modules, with a graphical interface that lets an operator issue commands and monitor tasks in real time.
• Developers say the approach could sharpen digital crop monitoring, assist with repetitive work, and reduce chemical exposure by improving spray accuracy and limiting dispersion.
• The team cites real-world hurdles such as uneven terrain, seasonal changes, and dense foliage, and is working to extend Frasky’s capabilities beyond the tasks validated so far.