Technology and commercialization of sweet potato harvesting machinery: A review

Sweet potato cultivation continues to evolve however, it remains a major agricultural challenge, particularly in regions with favorable climatic and soil conditions.The harvesting process is still predominantly manual and labor-intensive, reducing overall efficiency and economic feasibility.In recent years, the mechanization of sweet potato harvesting has emerged as a critical advancement to address these challenges, offering potential improvements in productivity, labor savings, and cost-effectiveness.Consequently, research and commercialization efforts in sweet potato harvester development have accelerated, driven by the growing global demand for efficient and mechanized harvesting systems.This review provided a comprehensive analysis of current research progress, design innovations, and commercialization trends in sweet potato harvester technology.Recent studies indicate significant advancements in the design and performance of harvesters, particularly in digging, conveying, and separation mechanisms.Despite these developments, large-scale commercialization remains limited, with the market primarily dominated by regional manufacturers lacking international standardization and scalability.Nevertheless, ongoing improvements in sensor integration, automation, and simulation-based design optimization are creating new opportunities to enhance harvester performance and adaptability.Continued research is therefore essential to improve the technological efficiency, design innovation, and operational sustainability of sweet potato harvesters.Strengthening these aspects will promote wider adoption, reduce labor dependency, and facilitate a transition toward sustainable and fully mechanized sweet potato production systems.