معرفی
Stavros G. Vougioukas is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on agricultural robotics, mechanization, and automation for specialty crops, with particular emphasis on robotic harvesting systems and precision agriculture technologies. He leads initiatives in developing actuator systems, perception, and control mechanisms to optimize crop management.
Key areas of expertise include robotic fruit harvesting, autonomous vehicle navigation in orchards, and site-specific pest management strategies. His work integrates mechanical engineering principles with advanced automation to address labor shortages and improve agricultural efficiency. Recent projects emphasize data-driven solutions for yield estimation, worker activity analysis, and economic viability of robotic systems.
Academic contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed publications (2023-2025), with a focus on robotic orchard platforms, crop transport systems, and sensor-based automation. Notable innovations include vacuum suction end-effectors for fruit harvesting and GNSS-free navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. He also explores sustainable agricultural machinery through techno-economic analyses of electric/hybrid tractors.
Current research bridges robotics and agricultural economics, addressing labor cost optimization and precision irrigation. His lab collaborates with industry partners to translate prototypes into field-ready solutions, emphasizing practical applications for specialty crop production systems.
