Field trials conducted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Dutch grower Teboza have shown that the AVL Compact S9000 asparagus harvesting robot achieves similar yield and quality to manual harvesting while operating three to four times faster under typical conditions. Researchers noted that performance could increase up to tenfold during peak growth periods.
Developed by AVL Motion, the robot uses twelve harvesting modules and performs up to 9,000 harvesting actions per hour. It detects asparagus tips, positions a cutting module, and cuts the spear at the base before lifting and placing it onto a conveyor belt for collection.
According to WUR researcher Damian Teuns, "After sorting, there was no significant difference in weight between machine and manual harvesting." He explained that the robot cuts spears slightly shorter, but the final processed weights remain comparable. Manual harvesters tend to leave thinner asparagus behind, while the robot can sometimes harvest them.
In terms of quality, thickness, length, straightness, and tip condition, Teuns reported no difference between standard grading classes. However, a shift was observed between higher and lower-value grades, with manual harvesters producing more coarse spears and the robot yielding more tips and hollows. This may result from the robot cutting curved asparagus at an angle.
AVL Motion directors Sander Wientjes and Raymond van den Bos said the trial produced "positive results," confirming equal quality and quantity but faster operation. "A manual harvester picks around 300 asparagus per hour. The robot averages around 3,000, with peaks up to 6,000 per hour," said Wientjes.
Teboza director Rik Kursten added that the robot's efficiency depends on yield levels. "When yields are high, it replaces six to seven people; when yields are lower, that number drops significantly," he said. Kursten also noted that manual comparisons may overstate human speed, as workers tend to slow over a full day, while the robot maintains consistency and can work during rain.
WUR's Teuns reported that harvesting speed per 100 metres was three minutes for the robot versus ten minutes for manual pickers. "The measured speed is valid within this test context, but it cannot be directly extrapolated to an entire season," he said. "Over a full season, we expect manual harvesters to slow down, while the machine maintains performance."
The trials showed that field conditions strongly influence efficiency. Long, straight rows and high planting density improved robot productivity. AVL Motion said optimal results depend on operator skill, row length, and field organisation, including crate placement and preparation.
Source: Future Farming
