Validation of an energy-based material selection algorithm for fruit bruising and impact damage reduction in olive trunk shaker harvesting

This study validates an algorithm that evaluates the performance of four different materials for use in mechanical harvesting of table olives, which are particularly susceptible to damage. Through a series of olive drop tests, the energies involved during the impact are analysed, and the results are compared with visual damage assessments conducted by agronomists. The best performing material demonstrates the highest cushioning material and the lowest bounce height