Picker AgRobotics Developed Flexible Harvesting Arm
The startup launched in February 2025 with a goal of automating agricultural harvesting to combat labor shortages.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Robotics
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Picker AgRobotics, which began operations in February 2025, has engineered a new robotic arm for autonomous fruit harvesting. The system uses AI-powered vision and a unique flexible mechanism to navigate tree branches and collect produce without traditional grippers.
Why it matters
This technology aims to address severe labor shortages within the agricultural industry. By reducing the costs associated with picking fruit, the system offers a scalable solution for high-volume orchard management.
Picker AgRobotics has built four robotic units to date, with plans to deploy six units during upcoming pilot phases. The projected cost is $20 per 900lb bin, representing a 20% cost savings over manual harvest labor.
The players
Picker AgRobotics
This agricultural technology firm is based in Israel and specializes in developing robotic systems for harvesting various fruits.
The details
The robotic arm maneuvers through dense branches to cut stems, funneling items like avocados, apples, and citrus directly into storage bins. Designed to be towed or attached to a tractor, the device avoids mechanical grippers in favor of a hollow flexible design.
Timeline
Picker AgRobotics began operations in February 2025.
Customer pilots are scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Roadmap
This development reflects a shift away from short, rigid robotic arms that have struggled with tree navigation and fruit accessibility. By enabling deeper movement into tree canopies, the system positions the company to compete directly with manual labor models across global orchards.
The transition to robotic harvesting could eventually lower retail produce prices by reducing the high labor costs currently required for picking. Growers may also see increased harvest efficiency as the company scales its deployment to California and Spain.
The takeaway
Autonomous harvesting systems are moving from concept to field-testing to solve labor-intensive agriculture challenges. Growers and investors should monitor the 2027 pilot results to determine if this flexible approach can maintain commercial viability at scale.
What happens next
Picker AgRobotics plans to initiate customer pilot programs in January 2027, deploying six units across sites in Israel, California, and Spain.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgFunderNews.
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Is now a good time for agricultural businesses to shift toward automated harvesting systems?
