Wootzano, the award-winning leader in robotics and automation, is celebrating major milestones in its mission to transform the fresh produce packing industry. After a successful expansion into the United States, the company is now setting its sights on a broader international presence, bringing its pioneering technology to new global markets.
To support this ambitious growth, Wootzano has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, offering supporters and investors a unique opportunity to join their journey in reshaping the fresh produce sector.
Founded in 2019 by CEO Dr Atif Syed, Wootzano has rapidly established itself as an industry pioneer, with over 30 patents to its name, including the revolutionary “embedded electronic skin” technology. This technology is integrated into Avarai, Wootzano’s flagship robot, which can handle delicate produce without bruising or damaging it, thanks to precise grip adjustments based on real-time sensory feedback—a critical feature in reducing waste and maintaining quality in fresh produce packaging.
Wootzano marked a significant achievement in 2023 with its expansion into California’s Central Valley, the largest grape-producing region in the U.S. Known as the “food basket” of America, this region was a natural fit for Avarai’s advanced capabilities, which are now being used to expertly pack grapes, a particularly demanding and delicate task. “Starting from Central Valley, we are aiming to expand to other states in the U.S.,” Dr Syed recently told The Grocer. “We have exceptional demand for Avarai in the region, and we are expecting a significant increase in sales.”
Wootzano’s Avarai cobot is a game-changer for fresh produce handling, thanks to its AI-driven computer vision technology, which enables it to perform complex tasks, including adapting its performance over time. In practical terms, Avarai reduces the need for human labour by up to 60% on a punnet packing line while also delivering a 30% reduction in costs per line, boosting efficiency and helping companies address critical labour shortages.
Wootzano’s success has not been limited to international markets. In the U.K., the company recently won the prestigious ‘North East Business of the Year’ award at the 2024 North East Business Awards, sponsored by Sage. This recognition underscores Wootzano’s contributions to innovation, job creation, and regional economic growth. Its headquarters in the North East of England has become a hub for technological advancement, attracting top-tier talent and fostering a culture of excellence.
To support its ambitious plans, Wootzano has launched a Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign, providing an opportunity for investors to back a pioneer at the forefront of agri-tech. With the funds raised, the company intends to accelerate its expansion into key global markets and introduce further innovations to its robotic technologies.
Wootzano’s impressive trajectory demonstrates the potential for technology to tackle pressing challenges in the global food supply chain, from labour shortages to efficiency in fresh produce handling. With a robust intellectual property portfolio, a growing team, and proven solutions, Wootzano is well-positioned for further growth and innovation, bringing a new era of precision and efficiency to fresh produce packing worldwide.
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