KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has invented a technology which can assist oil palm plantation workers to load fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in their plantations.
MPOB said the technology had been invented by a group of researchers at the agency led by Mohd Ramdhan Mohd Khalid.
The technology, in the form of a mobile lifter device to assist FFB loading operation, was launched at the MPOB Transfer of Technology Seminar and Exhibition 2021.
"It comprises a simple chassis design and hydraulic system to receive loads from a small in-field transporter. It is able to lift about 400 kilogram of loads. The device is also easy to be attached or detached for towing purposes," it said.
MPOB said the technology had attracted one local company for commercialisation.
"MPOB is currently in the process of transferring the technology through a licensing agreement," it said.
MPOB director general Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said based on a study, the device ws 35 per cent faster compared to the manual loading.
"Hence, it will result in a significant increase of productivity for infield FFB evacuation activities. Plantations can get better oil quality as the technology can reduce multiple handlings of FFB," said Ahmad Parveez.
Research on this project started in 2017 and the technology has been offered for commercialisation as it is more practical and increases productivity in oil palm plantations.
The bin system which is currently used in the oil palm plantations has given significant impacts for efficient FFB collection and evacuation in plantations.
"This technology can lessen the burden of oil palm plantation workers and reduce the energy required to load the FFB. Hence, with the current labour shortage, this technology can attract more locals to work in plantations. Most importantly, it can promote green technology as it is battery powered," said Ahmad Parveez.