Berry Bot Future: How nLink contributes to transforming raspberry production

nLink has developed an autonomous-enabled robotic platform for the FutuRaPS project, an innovative initiative designed to  revolutionize raspberry production in Western Norway. This collaboration, which includes Høgskulen på Vestlandet (HVL), Njøs frukt- og bærsenter, Stiftinga Vestlandsforsking, and is supported by funding from Forskningsrådet, Grofondet, and Sparebankstiftinga Sogn og Fjordane, aims to integrate advanced robotics into raspberry farming, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Raspberries hold a substantial place in Norwegian agriculture, especially in Vestland county, which leads the country's production. In 2020, the region produced 1,905 tonnes of raspberries, valued at approximately 126.5 million NOK. Recognizing the importance of this crop, the FutuRaPS project seeks to employ robotics to improve the cultivation process.

“nLink's contribution is important, offering a mobile robotics platform with a collaborative robot arm, adapted from our previous drilling robot, for autonomous agricultural operations. This platform features autonomous navigation, battery-powered functionality, and is equipped with additional outputs for essential farming equipment like crop spraying pumps and advanced sensors for data collection and navigation”, explains nLink’s CEO, Roger Flølo. 

The project focuses on overcoming challenges such as creating an autonomous mobility platform, developing precise robotic manipulators for agricultural tasks, and employing machine learning techniques for image processing and spatial analysis. This endeavor showcases nLink's commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics, aiming to set new standards in the field by making raspberry farming more productive, sustainable, and innovative.

FutuRaPS exemplifies the potential of robotics to transform agriculture, highlighting the project concortium’s role in pioneering technological advancements that address the practical needs of modern farming, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of raspberry production in Norway.

You can read more about the project here.