MIT Develops Innovative Soft Robotic System for Efficient Grocery Packing
Tech & AI | June 30, 2024, 9:43 p.m.
In 1986, the first self-checkout system was introduced in a Kroger grocery store near Atlanta, marking the beginning of a technological revolution in the U.S. that has since spread nationwide. With the advancement of automated technology in grocery stores, the introduction of robotic bagging systems appears imminent.
MIT's CSAIL department is leading the way with their development of RoboGrocery, a system that combines computer vision and a soft robotic gripper to efficiently bag a variety of items. Testing the system with 10 different unknown objects on a conveyer belt, researchers found it successfully handled delicate items such as grapes, bread, and kale, as well as more solid items like soup cans and ice cream containers.
While not yet ready for commercial use, the potential of RoboGrocery is promising. The integration of various sensing technologies in soft robotic systems highlights a significant step towards incorporating robots in real-world settings, such as grocery packing. Ongoing improvements and advancements in the system could lead to its expansion beyond grocery stores into industrial applications like recycling plants.