Fieldwork Robotics Ltd. has introduced the Fieldworker 1, a robot engineered for automated berry picking. The Cambridge, U.K.-based firm anticipates that the robot will achieve berry-picking speeds comparable to those of human laborers. Additionally, a single operator can manage a fleet of these robots in the field, enhancing efficiency. Fieldworker 1 aims to assist growers in meeting labor demands and optimizing operations.
Fieldwork Robotics has built on past collaborations and technological advancements to develop the Fieldworker 1. The robot integrates improvements in berry ripeness detection and picking speed, derived from its Berry Bot and Berry AI projects, which were funded by Innovate UK. These enhancements provide predictable per-berry costs, which can help growers supplement their workforce.
Fieldwork Collaborates with Costa Group
An agreement with Costa Group, one of Australia’s prominent fresh fruit and vegetable growers, has allowed Fieldwork Robotics to trial its systems at Costa berry farms over the next year. Field trials are set to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
“We are pleased to be collaborating with Fieldwork, a leader in the autonomous harvesting sector,” said Costa Group. “We have a strong focus on exploring new technology to enhance our harvest operations, and we are looking forward to trialing this technology in our farms over the next year.”
Fieldworker 1 Includes Picking Improvements
Utilizing artificial intelligence and spectral frequency analysis, Fieldworker 1 minimizes human bias in ripeness assessment, ensuring a high-quality harvest. The automation allows a single operator to manage multiple robots, reducing labor needs and increasing overall harvesting efficiency.
“Our newest model is the height of next-generation autonomous harvesting,” stated Dr. Martin Stoelen, founder and chief science officer at Fieldwork. “From our first ever model developed back in 2016, we have made huge progress in the development of our technology.”
Fieldwork Robotics has previously secured significant financial backing, including a £2 million seed funding round and two Innovate UK grants totaling £1.9 million. These funds have supported the development of their BerryBot and BerryAI projects. The company is gearing up for its Series A fundraising round in 2025, reflecting growing global interest in its technology.
Other companies, such as Tortuga and Four Growers, have been exploring similar automation technologies for harvesting fragile fruits and vegetables, like berries and tomatoes. Compared to these firms, Fieldwork Robotics has made notable strides with its partnerships and advancements, positioning itself as a competitive player in the agricultural automation sector.
Fieldwork Robotics, founded in 2016 by Dr. Martin Stoelen, aims to tackle the challenges of labor shortages, farm inefficiency, and food waste through its vertical robots with modular arms specifically designed for soft fruit harvesting. The company’s collaboration with industry leaders and its secured customer pipeline indicate its readiness to meet the needs of global growers. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the efficiency and reliability of solutions like Fieldworker 1 will be pivotal in addressing labor and productivity challenges.
