In a significant stride for agricultural automation, Lommers Tuinbouwmachines has announced the commercial readiness of its asparagus harvesting robot, marking the culmination of a three-year development journey. The Dutch company, based in Bergeijk, has successfully completed a full harvesting season with the robot, paving the way for its widespread adoption in the 2026 season.
The journey began in March when the robot commenced testing on the plots of Rick van Meijl, a prominent asparagus grower in the region. The collaboration between Lommers and van Meijl proved fruitful, with the robot demonstrating its reliability and efficiency throughout the season. Toine Lommers, the driving force behind the project, expressed satisfaction with the robot’s performance, stating that it is now ready for commercial use. The company aims to build a series of 20 robots for the upcoming season, with Lommers himself overseeing the service and maintenance of these units.
The harvesting robot is equipped with two harvesting units, each featuring a patented cutting mechanism that closely resembles manual harvesting knives. The knives cut the asparagus from the side and lift it slightly upwards, allowing the operator to collect it easily. The robot’s design includes five plastic fingered sweepers at the rear, which flatten the ridge to facilitate camera detection. This feature is particularly useful when manual harvesting has left indentations in the field.
One of the robot’s standout features is its advanced detection method. The camera, positioned at an angle, has a detection width of 60 centimetres and excels at distinguishing asparagus from stones and grass. However, it can sometimes mistake asparagus fragments for whole spears, underscoring the importance of manual harvesters leaving the ridge clean. The robot’s harvesting speed is impressive, with a theoretical capacity of one asparagus spear per second, although practical speeds vary based on the distribution of the spears.
The robot’s design and functionality have been meticulously crafted to enhance efficiency and ease of use. The knives, chosen for their hardness, wear resistance, and sharpness, require sharpening every 2 to 4 hours, a task that takes minimal time. The robot’s autonomous turning capability, guided by GPS, allows it to navigate the field with precision. At the end of each row, the robot stops, raises slightly, and moves forward to let the plastic film fall back onto the ridge, which the operator then reattaches.
The implications of this technological advancement are profound. The asparagus harvesting robot promises to revolutionize the agricultural industry by increasing efficiency, reducing labor costs, and minimizing the risk of crop damage. Its ability to operate autonomously and with minimal human intervention sets a new standard for agricultural machinery. Moreover, the robot’s design and functionality reflect a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by asparagus growers, making it a valuable tool for the industry.
As Lommers Tuinbouwmachines prepares to roll out the first series of 20 robots, the agricultural community watches with anticipation. The successful deployment of these robots could herald a new era of automation in agriculture, driving innovation and setting the stage for further advancements in the field. With the 2026 season on the horizon, the stage is set for the asparagus harvesting robot to make a significant impact on the industry.