Washington State University

Changki Mo

Qin Zhang

Xiao Zhang

Matthew David Whiting

Manoj Karkee

Joseph Ryan Davidson

Abhisesh Silwal

Compositions and methods of protecting plants from cold damage are provided. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising plant-based nano- and/or micron-sized particles which, when applied to plants or plant parts such as buds, form a non-hydrophilic deposit or film with low thermal conductivity, thereby conferring protection against damage from ice nucleation and cold stress.

Plant-based compositions for the protection of plants from cold damage

Robotic systems and specialized end-effectors provide for automated harvesting of produce such as fresh market apples. An underactuated design using tendons and flexure joints with passive compliance increases robustness to position error, overcoming a significant limitation of previous fruit harvesting end-effectors. Some devices use open-loop control, provide a shape-adaptive grasp, and produce contact forces similar to those used during optimal hand picking patterns. Other benefits include relatively low weight, low cost, and simplicity.

Robotic systems, methods, and end-effectors for harvesting produce

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Richland, WA, United States of America

Changki Mo