Soft autonomous mobile manipulators in agricultural automation – a review

Abstract

Purpose – This review paper aims to illustrate the potential of soft autonomous mobile manipulators (SAMM) in agriculture tasks involving harvesting and crop monitoring. Design/methodology/approach – This paper systematically analyzes the major components involved: soft grippers, actuation and control methods, localization and path planning of mobile robots and integrated motion planning of mobile manipulators in agricultural environments. Findings – While mobile robots and soft manipulators show promising individual developments, their integration faces significant challenges. Critical issues include real-time control implementation, environmental adaptability and coordinated task execution between mobility and manipulation systems. Originality/value – This study addresses a significant gap in the literature, as there is currently no comprehensive review examining soft mobile manipulation systems and their integration into agricultural applications. By providing an in-depth analysis of core components, planning strategies and applications that combine delicate manipulation with efficient navigation, this work is a reference for researchers and practitioners developing state-of-the-art agricultural robotics. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited