Revolutionizing Harvesting: The Chinese Goji Picking Device

Ma Xingpeng's Innovative Design Enhances Efficiency and Safety in Goji Harvesting

Goji berries, a nutrient-rich fruit from Northwest China, are traditionally harvested manually, a laborious process often resulting in injuries due to the plant's short spines. Ma Xingpeng's innovative picking device, the Chinese Goji, revolutionizes this process, enhancing efficiency and worker safety.

Ma Xingpeng drew inspiration from the relative rotation of gears, transforming this concept into a soft silicone brush that delicately picks the fruit without causing damage. This innovative approach not only protects the integrity of the fruit but also safeguards the hands of the workers, eliminating the need for gloves and reducing injuries.

The Chinese Goji picking device stands out for its unique properties. It significantly improves work efficiency and picking speed, while its ergonomic handle design reduces hand fatigue. These features collectively contribute to a more comfortable and productive harvesting experience.

The device is constructed with a PP plastic chassis and soft silicone brushes. Measuring 156mm x 450mm x 230mm, it's compact and easy to handle. The design process, which began in January 2017 at the University and Astronautics Design Institute of Art, was a collaborative effort involving Bu Liyan, Yao Bing, Liu Yangyang, Zhu Xiaohui, and Zhao Yunying.

Despite the challenges of ensuring fruit integrity during picking and minimizing waste, the team successfully developed a tool that addresses the issues associated with manual goji berry harvesting. Their research focused on the problems of fruit rupture, the inability to use large equipment, and worker vulnerability to injuries.

The Chinese Goji picking device has been recognized for its innovative design and practical application. It was awarded Silver in the A' Hardware, Power and Hand Tools Design Award in 2017, a prestigious honor bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

In conclusion, Ma Xingpeng's Chinese Goji picking device is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming traditional practices. It not only improves the efficiency and safety of goji berry harvesting but also exemplifies how design can enhance quality of life and productivity.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ma Xingpeng
Image Credits: Ma Xingpeng
Project Team Members: Bu Liyan Ma Xingpeng Yao Bing Liu Yangyang Zhu Xiaohui Zhao Yunying
Project Name: Chinese Goji Picker
Project Client: Ma Xingpeng


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