Asparagus robot "Sparter" from Cerescon was used for the first time last year in the fields of the Ahlbrand fruit farm in Warendorf, Westphalia. Ultimately, the tests led to the purchase of the harvesting robot. However, a number of suggestions for improvement were implemented before the official handover this week.
The innovative machine offers multiple advantages to the asparagus grower. "Purple discoloration is eliminated, and there are fewer open asparagus heads," said owner Tobias Ahlbrand in an interview with Westfälische Nachrichten. In addition to the significantly better asparagus quality and higher yields, he also had personnel considerations in mind when purchasing the robotic harvester.
The Cerescon Sparter in action / Image: Cerescon.
"The availability of labor is decreasing year by year." And the specialized machine could help dispense with some of the manpower, he said. He expects one machine to be able to replace up to 15 seasonal workers.
For more information:
http://www.spargelboerse.de/
https://www.cerescon.com/DE/home