Place UK is increasing the use of robotics, AI, and precision systems across its farms and processing operations in response to labour and cost pressures. Head of Fresh, Dan Yordanov, explained that many tasks that were previously manual are now being automated, allowing skilled workers to focus on other activities. "Over the past three to four years, technology has transformed how we operate," he said.
Investments in water and fertigation systems
Under chairman Tim Place, the company joined neighbouring Norfolk farms to build a US$1.36 million (£1.1 million) water reservoir near Neatishead. With a storage capacity of 270,000 m³, it helps secure supply for future operations. At its Tunstead farm, fertigation and irrigation systems can now be controlled remotely via smartphones and desktop applications, reducing the need for daily manual checks.
The company is also using FruitCast, a camera-based AI platform that combines crop imagery with weather models and historical data to forecast yields and harvest timing. This enables more accurate labour planning and reduces waste.
Robotics and pest management
Place UK has introduced nocturnal UV robots, developed with Norwegian robotics firm Thorvald, to suppress mildew and fungal spores in strawberry tunnels. The robots operate on pre-mapped routes overnight, allowing normal farm activity during the day. Adoption of autonomous systems has required adjustments to farm design, such as aisle widths and tunnel layouts, to ensure mobility.
Other trials include a beneficial insect dispersal machine that replaces manual distribution of natural predators and a raspberry-picking robot, Fieldworker 1, developed with Fieldwork Robotics. The machine uses a gecko-inspired grip but still leaves 30–40% of fruit for human pickers. Yordanov stated that "these advancements in tech are making fruit farming faster, more efficient, and less reliant on manual, repetitive tasks."
Processing and investment framework
In processing, automation has been introduced through dynamic conveyor controls, sealing upgrades, and standardised metrics for Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Investments are assessed through the PQCDSM framework, which evaluates productivity, quality, cost, delivery, safety, environmental performance, and morale.
Place UK collaborates with technology developers to test new systems under real farm conditions, providing early access to innovations while offering feedback for scalable deployment.
Future outlook
Plans are underway to trial robotic platforms that can move fruit from polytunnels directly to loading stations or packhouses, moving closer to a fully automated supply chain. Yordanov noted, "Going forward, tech will help shape how we design and run our fields. Even something as simple as the width of an aisle can determine whether a robot can operate effectively."
Source: FreshTalkDaily
