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Fieldwork Robotics Launches Fieldworker 1 for Automated Berry Harvesting
Fieldwork Robotics Ltd., based in Cambridge, U.K., has introduced the Fieldworker 1, an advanced robot aimed at streamlining the process of berry picking. The company’s goal is to enable this robot to operate at efficiency rates comparable to human pickers while managing teams of machines with a single operator on the ground.
According to Fieldwork Robotics, the Fieldworker 1 incorporates enhanced systems for detecting berry ripeness and faster picking capabilities. This innovation builds upon previous projects, such as Berry Bot and Berry AI, both supported by Innovate UK. The robot’s technology promises to deliver predictable costs per berry, aiding growers in augmenting their workforce and improving overall productivity.
David Fulton, CEO of Fieldwork Robotics, expressed pride in the significant advancements made over the last year and a half. He noted the strategic partnerships with leading companies like Costa Group as affirmations of their team’s dedication, product quality, and solutions to real challenges faced by agricultural producers.
“By enhancing our services for raspberry growers, we have formed a robust pipeline of contracts with prominent berry producers in key markets such as Australia and the United States. I am optimistic about our ability to meet customer demands,” Fulton added.
The emergence of Fieldwork Robotics coincides with a broader trend in the agricultural sector, where automation and robotics are increasingly validated as vital tools for efficiency. Other firms, such as Tortuga and Four Growers, are also deploying systems capable of selectively harvesting delicate fruits and vegetables like berries and tomatoes autonomously.
Collaboration with Costa Group
In a significant development, Fieldwork Robotics has partnered with Costa Group, a prominent Australian producer of fresh fruits and vegetables, to test their technology across Costa’s berry farms over the coming year. Field trials are slated to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
“We are excited to collaborate with Fieldwork, a frontrunner in autonomous harvesting innovations,” a representative from Costa Group remarked. “Exploring new technologies to refine our harvesting processes is a priority for us, and we anticipate fruitful results from these trials over the next year.”
This partnership underscores the growing interest in Fieldwork’s automated harvesting technologies from diverse agricultural stakeholders around the world.
Enhancements in Picking Mechanism
The Fieldworker 1 robot utilizes artificial intelligence and spectral frequency analysis, which allows for unbiased assessments of berry ripeness, thereby ensuring the collection of high-quality fruit, according to the developers. This automation means a single human operator can oversee multiple machines, significantly reducing labor requirements while enhancing harvesting effectiveness.
Dr. Martin Stoelen, the founder and chief science officer of Fieldwork Robotics, stated, “Our latest model represents the pinnacle of next-generation automated harvesting technology. From our initial prototype launched in 2016, we have made monumental strides in enhancing our solutions.”
He expressed confidence in the potential of their robotic system to significantly aid growers in the fresh raspberry sector, attributing their advancements to deep expertise in autonomous agricultural technologies.
With a strong pipeline of clients and plans to initiate a Series A fundraising round in 2025, Fieldwork Robotics is poised for growth. The company, founded in 2016, focuses on creating vertical robots equipped with modular arms specifically designed for harvesting soft fruits. Their mission addresses pressing issues such as labor shortages, operational inefficiencies on farms, and food waste reduction.
Recently, the company secured £2 million (approximately $2.6 million) in seed funding, accompanied by two government grants totaling £1.9 million ($2.5 million) intended to advance their BerryBot and BerryAI initiatives.
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