Harvesting the Future: UK Partnership Pioneers Next-Generation Farm Robotics

A new collaboration between leading UK organisations is set to transform agricultural production by driving forward robotic harvesting and automation technologies.

Under the guidance of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Upcycled Plant Power (UPP) and S&A Produce (UK) Ltd have joined forces as part of the Innovate UK AgriScale Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Programme.

The initiative aims to speed up the adoption of autonomous agricultural systems to help tackle labour shortages, boost efficiency, and strengthen food security across the UK.

Soft-Fruit Robot “EVE”

A major focus of the partnership is the development and commercialisation of a soft-fruit harvesting robot named “EVE”, a collaboration between MTC and S&A Produce. Running until March 2026, the project will refine and scale the robot’s production, securing CE certification to ensure it is ready for safe and effective use on British farms.

Automated Broccoli Harvester and Side-Stream Innovation

At the same time, MTC is working with UPP to engineer an automated broccoli harvester that goes beyond conventional designs. Unlike standard machines that collect only the broccoli heads, UPP’s innovation captures both heads and stalks. The harvested stalks—typically discarded as field waste—can instead be processed into plant-based protein and fibre ingredients, adding new value streams to the crop.

UPP’s CEO, Mark Evans, explained that up to 70 per cent of each broccoli plant is currently wasted under existing practices. The new technology is designed to boost productivity, reduce labour costs, and improve both yield and quality, helping to turn a traditionally low-margin crop into a more profitable one for UK growers.

Building a Smarter Supply Chain

The AgriScale pilot was recently highlighted as a significant step towards future-proofing the domestic fresh produce industry. MTC’s managing director for civilian sectors, Andy Barnes, said the project demonstrates how robotics and advanced manufacturing can strengthen food supply chains and enhance productivity across the sector.

Edward Palmer, group technical director at S&A Produce, described being selected for AgriScale as “a key step” towards early commercialisation of EVE and bringing transformative automation to soft-fruit production.

Looking Ahead

This partnership marks an important milestone in the evolution of UK agriculture, showcasing how robotics can not only support manual labour but also unlock new sources of value through smarter design and circular processing.

Both the soft-fruit robot and automated broccoli harvester are expected to serve as blueprints for future innovation across other crops, helping the fresh produce industry to embrace automation, reduce waste, and improve sustainability.

For farmers, processors, and suppliers alike, the message is clear: the future of harvesting is automated, efficient, and value-driven — and it’s already taking root in British soil.