Semi-automatic grafting machine prototype for tomato seedlings

Grafting is an important technique in tomato production for improving crop productivity and disease resistance. However, the manual grafting process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study presents the development of an automated grafting machine prototype for tomato seedlings to enhance efficiency and graft quality. The prototype incorporates control techniques to perform precise and efficient grafting. Preliminary results indicate that the automated grafting machine could outperform the manual method, reducing the time required for grafting and increasing the overall efficiency and production capacity of a human grafter. This study highlights the potential of automation in tomato grafting, offering a promising solution to enhance crop productivity, reduce labor dependency, and improve sustainability in tomato production. In further work, tests and evaluations will be performed using commercially cultivated tomato seedlings, comparing graft success rates, process duration, and graft quality between the automated machine and the manual method.