Dogtooth Technologies shows off fruit picking robots at Kent event

Members of the county trade organisation Produced in Kent were shown some of the newest tech in the farming world at their most recent event.

The event showcased innovations in robotic soft fruit picking technology from Cambridge startup Dogtooth Technologies, led by CEO Dr Duncan Roberston.

Attendees witnessed a working demonstration of how the strawberry harvesting robots work with table-top growing systems, used widely around the world.

“We’re thrilled to showcase cutting-edge technologies that promise to transform horticulture,” said Dr Robertson.

“By harnessing a combination of low-cost harvesting robots and state-of-the-art AI control systems, we can help to ensure a sustainable future for horticulture and support our farmers in their efforts to provide consumers with fresh, high-quality produce.”

Dogtooth Technologies has been working closely with UK growers and developing commercial robotic harvesting solutions since 2016.

The robots use autonomous navigation along crop rows to locate and pick ripe fruit.

They also come with onboard quality control – grading picked berries and placing them directly into punnets according to supermarket criteria.

While robotic fruit pickers are not without challenges – including high initial costs and the need for technical expertise – their benefits in terms of efficiency, precision, and sustainability make them a valuable asset in modern agriculture.

Many agricultural sectors face seasonal labour shortages, particularly since Brexit, with some farmers reporting crops being left to rot as they didn’t have enough pickers.

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the potential of these technologies to revolutionise the agricultural sector.

Organisers say the event has sparked new collaborations and discussions about the future of farming in Kent.