RoboVeg Collaborates with UK Brassica Growers for Automatic Harvesting Robot Development

As technology advances, farmers and growers have been exploring ways to increase their yield while minimising manual labour. In response to this need, automatic vegetable harvesting technology company RoboVeg has partnered with two leading UK brassica growers to develop their automatic, selective harvesting robot. The collaboration aims to optimise crop harvesting by utilising robotic technology that can pick vegetables faster and more efficiently. 

Testing  

RoboVeg has successfully delivered its RV3 three-headed robot to East of Scotland Growers (ESG) in October 2022. The robot was primarily intended to harvest broccoli for the Fife-based cooperative, but in trials, it has also demonstrated its capability to harvest varieties of cabbage. RoboVeg also believe that it can be used to harvest bright white summer cauliflower. 

Similarly, vegetable growers Staples in Lincolnshire have also been trialling a single-headed robot as proof-of-concept for a larger 8-headed, 6m machine. The larger machine would have a harvesting capacity of 7,200 pieces per hour. RoboVeg Director Peter Keeling stated that they have developed a method that allows the robot to identify and harvest winter cauliflower by looking through the leaves. The company is also exploring other crops such as courgettes. 

Reducing Transport and Logistical Costs 

The automatic harvesting robots have been designed to help growers reduce labour costs while increasing the efficiency and speed of harvesting. The development of smaller units that can fit inside standard shipping containers will help reduce transport and logistical costs. RoboVeg’s director Keeling added that the company has also reduced the size of its single-head robot, which can now fit inside a standard shipping container. This reduces the need for costly and complicated transportation logistics for growers. Going forward, all their multi-headed units will also be designed to fit inside a standard shipping container. 

Optimising Crop Harvesting 

The development of automatic harvesting robots will revolutionise the way crops are harvested, making the process quicker and more efficient. With this technology, growers will be able to harvest their crops at the optimal time, reducing wastage and increasing the yield. Automated harvesting robots can provide a consistent level of quality, which can help growers meet customer demand for high-quality produce. It also minimises human error, which can lead to crop damage and wastage. This technology is a significant step forward in modern farming and agriculture. 

The partnership between RoboVeg and UK brassica growers is a significant milestone in the development of automatic harvesting robots. The technology is designed to reduce labour costs, increase efficiency, and optimise crop harvesting. As the technology continues to develop, it has the potential to revolutionise the way crops are grown and harvested, leading to more sustainable and efficient agriculture practices.