This robot has aced to pick only ripe raspberries
Fieldwork Robotics, a University of Plymouth spinout company, has unveiled an improved version of the world's first raspberry-picking robots. The four-armed machine, known as Fieldworker 1 or Robocrop, is set to be deployed on farms in the UK, Australia, and Portugal over the next year. This innovative robot is currently undergoing trials at berry farms in England and Portugal. The new version of Robocrop boasts improved accuracy in identifying ripe berries, thanks to its artificial intelligence capabilities.
Enhanced features and future prospects
The new Robocrop features grippers with extended reach and flexibility, enabling faster fruit picking. The machine is set for further field testing in Australia at Costa Group, one of the country's largest fruit and vegetable growers. Following additional modifications, the final version is expected to be available for sale or lease by late next year.
Potential impact on berry industry
The British Berry Growers has warned that nearly 40% of strawberry and raspberry growers could face bankruptcy by the end of 2026, due to increasing costs and supermarkets driving down supplier prices. The introduction of Robocrop could potentially help address these challenges. Fieldwork Robotics plans to produce up to 24 units of the final version, with ongoing discussions about selling the machine to farms in the UK, Portugal, Australia, and US.
Innovative design and operation
Robocrop is equipped with a camera that identifies berries, and then directs its arms toward them. Two additional cameras on each arm pinpoint the exact location of the fruit. The robot then uses a soft, inflatable membrane to gently pull ripe fruit from the bush. This process allows it to harvest between 150 and 300 berries per hour, matching human picking rates but with the added advantage of continuous operation day and night.
Robocrop's potential for other soft fruit harvesting
Fieldwork Robotics is also exploring the possibility of modifying its robots to pick other soft fruits like blackberries. However, Nick Marston, Chairman of British Berry Growers, has cautioned that the technology is not yet ready to replace skilled pickers entirely. He emphasized the need for continued access to manual labor until such technology is fully operational and efficient.
