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ATM News Network: A hi-tech electric fruit bin that takes the heavy lifting out of fruit picking was among technologies featured at Fieldays aimed at easing the pressure of worker shortages. Engineering Lecturer at the University of Waikato, Nick Pickering, said students developed an electronic fruit bin on wheels after Zespri asked them to help find solutions for labour shortages in the kiwfruit sector.
Pickering said besides tackling worker fatigue, the e-Bin also opened up picking work to people who previously worked in non-labour roles, or older workers who did not have the strength for heavy lifting. Pickers drop fruit straight into the e-Bin that gently catches it. Traditionally workers carried bags weighing up to 25kg when full, before they emptied it. The e-Bin means people who cannot carry heavy loads can work in orchards.
Pickers drop fruit straight into the e-Bin that gently catches it. Traditionally workers carried bags weighing up to 25kg when full, before they emptied it. The e-Bin means people who cannot carry heavy loads can work in orchards. A hi-tech electric fruit bin that takes the heavy lifting out of fruit picking was among technologies featured at Fieldays aimed at easing the pressure of worker shortages.
Engineering Lecturer at the University of Waikato, Nick Pickering, said students developed an electronic fruit bin on wheels after Zespri asked them to help find solutions for labour shortages in the kiwfruit sector.
Pickering said besides tackling worker fatigue, the e-Bin also opened up picking work to people who previously worked in non-labour roles, or older workers who did not have the strength for heavy lifting.
