University of Essex's SARA Initiative Wins AI & Robotics Award for Strawberry Harvesting Robots

The University of Essex's Sustainable smArt Robotic Agriculture (SARA) initiative has won the UK Research and Innovation AI & Robotics Research Award 2026 for best industrial collaboration project. The innovative robots enhance strawberry harvesting by automating picking, weighing, and packing. The technology addresses labor shortages and food security. The robots are currently operational at Wilkin & Sons and JEPCO in the UK. The success has led to the formation of spin-out company Versatile RobotX to accelerate commercialization.

Published Mar 23, 2026

The University of Essex's Sustainable smArt Robotic Agriculture (SARA) initiative has won the UK Research and Innovation AI & Robotics Research Award 2026 for best industrial collaboration project. The robots developed by SARA revolutionize strawberry harvesting by automating picking, weighing, and packing, addressing labor shortages and food security challenges.

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They are currently deployed at Wilkin & Sons and JEPCO in the UK. The initiative's success has culminated in the formation of Versatile RobotX, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of fruit-harvesting robots. SARA's project has been recognized for its collaboration with innovative growers to tackle critical societal challenges including food security and sustainability.