The Italian Institute of Technology (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, IIT) has announced the development of Frasky, an autonomous robotic system designed for vineyard applications. The prototype is capable of navigating agricultural environments independently while performing tasks such as monitoring crops, manipulating grape clusters, and applying targeted treatments.
The project was developed by researchers from the Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation Lab at IIT in Genova, under the coordination of researcher Manuel G. Catalano. Frasky was created within the framework of JOiiNT LAB, a joint initiative that brings together research institutions and industrial partners from the Bergamo area. Collaborators include Consorzio Intellimech, Confindustria Bergamo, the University of Bergamo, and Kilometro Rosso Innovation District.
Frasky’s development addresses agricultural challenges related to environmental sustainability and labor shortages. The robot combines robotic manipulation and artificial intelligence to perform precision farming activities with minimal human intervention.
The system features a robotic arm equipped with a hand and integrated camera, enabling it to detect and interact with specific elements in the vineyard environment, such as grape bunches. The hardware is mounted on a commercially available mobile platform with four motorized wheels, allowing outdoor navigation. The design is modular, with hardware and software components that can be adapted to different farming requirements. One feature includes a nozzle integrated into the robotic hand for applying selective treatments.
Frasky operates using software developed by the IIT team, structured into three core modules: navigation, perception, and manipulation. The navigation module allows the robot to move through the vineyard while avoiding obstacles; the perception module supports environmental mapping and grape detection; and the manipulation module controls the robotic arm’s movement during tasks. An operator can manage the robot through a graphical interface that provides real-time monitoring and command capabilities.
According to the developers, the robot is intended to support precision in treatment application, reduce waste, and assist in repetitive tasks, with the aim of limiting human exposure to agricultural chemicals and improving efficiency in crop monitoring.
Field testing took place at the “Le Corne” vineyard in Grumello del Monte, Bergamo, following preliminary validation in a laboratory setting using an artificial vineyard. These trials confirmed Frasky’s capacity to autonomously navigate the terrain, analyze its environment, and apply treatments.
IIT researcher Francesca Negrello, Technology Manager at JOiiNT LAB, stated that work is ongoing to expand the robot’s adaptability to various agricultural contexts and to broaden its perception and manipulation capabilities.
The project also serves an educational role, involving students in interdisciplinary research and development. Fabio Previdi, Full Professor at the University of Bergamo, highlighted the academic benefits of direct collaboration with industry partners, describing it as a means of preparing students for roles in the evolving digital and industrial landscape.
Photo credits: IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
