October 9, 2015, by Graham Kendall

International Competition on Oil Palm Mechanisation (deadline: 30 November 2015)

We have received the following information about a competition that might be of interest to colleagues at UNMC.

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Colleagues in CFFRC and engineering may be interested in the following competition.

International Competition on Oil Palm Mechanisation

Official website: http://www.mpob.gov.my/ICOPM/

A flyer is availble here.

Submission deadline: 30 November 2015

Objectives:

This competition is aimed at finding new, fresh ideas from local and overseas contestants towards the development of machines for field operations in oil palm plantations. The ideas must be practical and cost-effective and should be able to increase workers’ productivity.

Categories:

1. Harvesting Technology.
   a) Purely cutting

To develop a harvesting tool that can harvest oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) in less than 10 seconds. The invention must be able to harvest FFB from palms of various heights preferably in the range of 1 to 15 m.

1. b) Combined harvester

To develop a harvesting machine (harvest, collect & transport FFB) that can harvest oil palm FFB in less than 3 minutes. The invention must be able to harvest FFB from palms of various heights preferably in the range of 8 to 15 m.

2. Loose Fruit Collection Technology.

To develop a device or machine that can collect scattered loose fruits on the ground effectively (1 kg/min) with trash content less than 10%. The invention must be able to collect loose fruits in various ground conditions with minimum damage or bruising to fruits.

3. Fresh Fruit Bunch Evacuation Technology.

To develop a machine that can manoeuvre and carry oil palm FFB (0.5 tonne loads) from the field to the roadside or collection platform effectively and efficiently. The machine must also be able to manoeuvre on terrace in hilly terrain or peat.

4. Crop-Care Technology.

To develop machines for crop and field maintenance such as manuring, weeding, pest control and road maintenance.

5. Integrated Technology.

To develop a multitasking machine that can perform combined activities (harvesting, FFB evacuation, weed control, fertiliser applicator etc.).

See more: http://www.mpob.gov.my/ICOPM/

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