Deep Learning for Apple Branch Detection: an Analysis of the Performance of YOLOV8 Models
Erhan KAHYA*
Department of Electronics and Automation, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Turkey
*Corresponding Author: Erhan KAHYA, Department of Electronics and Automation, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Turkey.
Received:
April 24, 2025 Published: May 14, 2025
Abstract
Thanks to developments in the field of deep learning in recent years, important results have been achieved in various research projects. The YOLOv8 model, which is primarily used for object detection, exhibits varying degrees of superiority in certain tasks with its different sub-models. In specific evaluations such as classification, identification and disease detection, the subcomponents of each model show different performance in their own areas. The characteristics of all sub-models of YOLOv8 were analysed and it was determined which model has speed, resource utilisation, high accuracy and balanced performance. The study focuses on the optimization of apple detection by integrating deep learning approaches. Four different models of Yolov8 (YOLOv8S, YOLOv8M, YOLOv8L and YOLOv8XL) are analysed to accurately detect apples on branches. In the experimental analysis, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted using performance metrics such as accuracy, recognition value and mean accuracy (mAP) of each model. The results show that the YOLOv8S model stands out for its fast processing and low cost advantage, while the YOLOv8XL model offers the highest accuracy. In addition, the YOLOv8M model was characterised by high recognition rates.
Keywords: Deep Learning; YOLOv8; Identification; Apple
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