多くの果物や野菜は、実をつける前に受粉を必要とします。

READING

Many fruit and vegetable crops depend on pollination before they can produce food. Traditionally, this work is done by insects or by people who move pollen from one flower to another by hand. Recently, some farms have begun testing artificial pollination robots. These machines use cameras and sensors to locate flowers and then apply pollen with small brushes or other devices as they move through fields or greenhouses.

Supporters say these robots may offer several advantages. Farms that cannot find enough workers during busy growing seasons may still be able to pollinate large numbers of plants on time. This can reduce the need to depend heavily on temporary labor. There is another advantage. Robots can repeat the same movement and apply similar amounts of pollen to each flower. As a result, differences caused by individual workers may be reduced and the work can be performed more consistently across a crop.

However, critics point out some problems. The machines contain cameras, moving parts, and other equipment that must be cleaned, adjusted, and repaired regularly. Therefore, keeping the machines in good condition can be hard work for farms. Also, the robots could damage crops. If a robot moves incorrectly or presses too strongly against a flower, it may break delicate parts.