Fieldwork Robotics is working with Bosch UK to accelerate the production of robots that harvest soft fruit.

Led by Dr Martin Stoelen, Fieldwork Robotics is a spinout company of the University of Plymouth which is currently focusing on developing soft robotic arms that harvest raspberries. After successful trials of it’s harvesting system in May 2019 and growing interest from leading multinational agribusinesses, Bosch UK are aiming to prepare the robots for full-scale production by developing software that optimises Stoelen’s work.

Depending on each species of raspberry, the robot’s grippers apply the appropriate force to pick the fruit, whilst also informing growers of how much unripened fruit remains on the bush. The robots are battery operated, with autonomous features varying between the capacity of the batteries.  

“Our goal is to guarantee growers do not lose out because of the shortfall in human labour,” Stoelen said. “This labour shortfall was estimated at between 15 per cent to 30 per cent pre-Covid 19. Our team is focused on improvements to the technology and reducing cost. Bosch will get the technology ready for manufacture and many other aspects needed to commercialise the robots, such as error handling.”