Robotic Technology: A Solution for Daffodil Harvesting Challenges
The integration of robotic technology is on the horizon for daffodil cultivation, aiming to address ongoing labor shortages and transform traditional harvesting practices.
Autopickr Ltd, an Agritech firm based in Cambridge, is at the forefront of this movement to automate the daffodil sector.
With innovations ranging from autonomous harvesting machines to “followbots” that assist human workers in completing manual tasks, technology presents numerous possibilities for enhancing farming operations.
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For daffodil farmers in the UK, labor shortages have been a persistent issue, adversely affecting both productivity and operational efficiency.
The labor-intensive nature of daffodil harvesting demands a large workforce, which brings challenges related to both cost and the quality of available labor.
To tackle these hurdles, Autopickr aims to introduce robotic solutions designed to enhance the harvesting process and minimize reliance on human labor.
“Historically, harvesting a significant quantity of daffodils required a massive workforce,” states Adam Cunnington, who cultivates 60 hectares of daffodils in Gedney Dyke, Lincolnshire.
“We anticipate that by implementing new technologies, we can reduce the need for human labor by 25 to 30%. Additionally, a robot can operate for many years, ensuring lower labor demands for the future.”
“Our objective is to provide daffodil farmers with cutting-edge solutions to overcome current labor shortages. By automating critical harvest processes, we aim to enhance efficiency and reduce costs,” explains Robyn Sands, CEO of Autopickr.
With a commitment to innovation and collaboration with local growers, Autopickr is focused on catalyzing positive advancements in agriculture through technology.
This initiative is supported by funding from Innovate UK’s Agri-tech and food technology Launchpad.
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.