#Japan #Smart Agriculture #Okayama University #MOSAdemy #Asakuchi

Okayama University's Quadruped Robot Adventure in Lemon Harvesting

In a groundbreaking event held on November 14 and 15, 2025, Okayama University's startup venture, MOSAdemy, showcased its innovative quadruped robots at a lemon orchard in Yorizima-cho, Asakuchi City. This demonstration aimed to explore the practical application of robotics in agriculture, specifically for lemon harvesting, amidst the growing concerns of labor shortages in rural areas due to an aging population.

Background of the Initiative

This project is part of the Cabinet Office's initiative for enhancing the environment for innovation in regional core universities and the Ministry of Education's program for strengthening distinctive research universities in Japan (J-PEAKS). Collaborating with the Mitsuyama Lemon Promotion Council, which supports the development of lemon cultivation in the area, this initiative is poised to streamline labor-intensive tasks while implementing smart agricultural technologies in hilly and mountainous regions.

In Yorizima-cho, efforts to convert abandoned farmland into lemon orchards are gaining momentum. However, the challenges of an aging farming cohort and labor shortages necessitate innovative solutions. MOSAdemy is developing farming support robots by outfitting existing quadruped robots with arms, cameras, and software tailored for harvesting and identifying lemons. These advancements ensure stable operations even on uneven terrain and steep slopes.

The Demonstration

The recent experiments utilized not only MOSAdemy's creations but also a quadruped robot provided by Kawakami Corporation. The demonstration involved several robots working collaboratively, showcasing their capabilities to grasp lemons and transport them to storage baskets. Students and researchers facilitated the robotic operations through smartphones, utilizing pre-programmed instructions. Farmers in attendance displayed great interest, raising questions about the robots' walking performance, operational time, and harvesting precision.

On the first day of the event, a group of 15 third graders from Yorizima Gakuen came to observe. Their excitement was palpable as they watched the robots scurrying around in the orchard, receiving enthusiastic applause. Comments from the children included hopes for robots to assist with other vegetables and recognition of the convenience in transporting heavy loads. This event not only demonstrated cutting-edge technology but also sparked curiosity and interest in robotics and smart agricultural practices among the younger generation.

On the second day, Okayama City's Mayor, Yasuhiko Kuriyama, visited the site to encourage the ongoing experiments. In a uniquely entertaining moment, the lion dance performance by the Ise Daikagura Association coincided with the robotic demonstrations, creating an interactive and engaging atmosphere for attendees.

Future Prospects

According to Toyoshi Koboto, President of the Mitsuyama Lemon Promotion Council, the vision for the future hints at fully automated harvesting by robots during the night, addressing labor concerns and further enhancing operational efficiency. With a projected timeline of 5–10 years for complete automation, plans for continuous improvements are underway.

Okayama University is committed to driving innovation through partnerships between academia, industry, and the government. With the involvement of MOSAdemy and similar ventures, efforts to implement smart agricultural technologies in hilly and mountainous regions will continue, promising a brighter agricultural future for communities in Japan.

Conclusion

The successful showcase of quadruped robots in lemon harvesting is not just a demonstration of technology but a step toward solving real-world issues in agriculture. As Okayama University embarks on this exciting journey, anticipation builds for what other innovative solutions will emerge from its dedication to regional challenges and sustainable practices.