MIT’s soft robotic system is designed to pack groceries

The inception of self-checkout systems dates back to 1986 when the first one was installed in a Kroger grocery store near Atlanta. Over the years, this technology has become widespread across the United States, indicating a shift towards automation in grocery stores. The next step in this direction could be robotic bagging.

MIT’s CSAIL department has introduced RoboGrocery, a system that utilizes computer vision and a soft robotic gripper to bag various items. In a recent test, researchers placed 10 different objects on a grocery conveyor belt to challenge the system.

The test items ranged from delicate items like grapes, bread, and kale to sturdier ones like soup cans and ice cream containers. The computer vision system identifies the objects, assesses their size and orientation, and guides the robotic gripper accordingly.

The gripper’s pressure sensors help differentiate between delicate and rigid items, ensuring proper handling during bagging. This development marks a significant advancement in the realm of robotic packing for real-world applications.