UCT develops blueberry harvesting tool to boost efficiency

CHILE – Chile’s Catholic University of Temuco (UCT) has introduced a pioneering manual tool that promises to transform the way blueberries are harvested, significantly enhancing productivity while prioritizing the health and safety of farmworkers.

Developed by Javier Ignacio Dueñas and María Paula Simian, the device is specifically designed to address the ergonomic needs of workers.

It adapts to different body types, allowing for faster and more efficient harvesting with minimal physical strain.

The tool features an adjustable fastening system that fits comfortably to the worker’s body, which reduces the risk of injuries to the cervical and lumbar spine—common issues among manual harvesters.

“Our goal was to create a tool that not only improves the efficiency of the harvesting process but also safeguards the health of those doing the work,” Simian explained. “This tool is a major step forward in ensuring that agriculture is more sustainable and humane.”

Field tests conducted in various conditions have shown the tool’s impressive results. Productivity increased by 9.7 percent, while the speed of harvesting improved by an average of 50 percent.

Additionally, the tool drastically reduced fruit losses by 87 percent during manual harvesting, ensuring that more of the delicate fruit reached markets in perfect condition.

The device’s receptacle, made from light and durable recycled polymers, is designed to store blueberries without damaging them, preserving their protective bloom.

This feature is crucial in maintaining the quality of the fruit during the demanding conditions of the harvest season. Furthermore, the modular design of the tool makes it easy to clean and maintain, as well as adaptable to different sizes and varieties of blueberries.

One of the key benefits of the tool is its impact on worker health. Seasonal workers who tested the device reported a noticeable decrease in muscle fatigue, particularly in the lumbar and cervical areas, which are often affected by repetitive tasks in traditional harvesting methods.

Dueñas highlighted the broader implications of the tool’s development. “This achievement is a clear reflection of how science and technology can collaborate to address real-world challenges, making agriculture not only more efficient but also more respectful of those who cultivate our land,” he said.

Simian and Dueñas, along with UCT, plan to continue refining the tool and are preparing to launch it both in Chile and internationally.

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