Not ‘mushroom’ for robots – solving harvesting problems

Behind one of the cheapest items in our shopping basket is one of the most labour-intensive industries in the world. 

The latest episode of Robocrops - the series exploring how research, engineering, and entrepreneurship are reshaping modern agriculture – looks at how the University of Lincoln is helping solve problems associated with labour-intensive mushroom harvesting.

Agaricus Robotics is a breakthrough spinout from the university’s Lincoln Institute for Agri food Technology (LIAT). Its new robotic harvester system is designed specifically for vertical mushroom farms and aims to address some of the sector’s most persistent challenges. Engineered for compatibility with a high proportion of existing vertical mushroom farms, the Agaricus robotic harvester has been designed to operate within current growing infrastructure rather than requiring a complete system redesign. 

The video shows the robot being tested in a real working environment as on–site engineers demonstrate how the system navigates vertical growing racks, handles delicate crops, and adapts to the unique demands of mushroom harvesting. 

The episode also explores the challenges of bringing advanced robotics to market. From technical design hurdles to integration with commercial farms, the engineers and founders translate research into industry ready technology. 

Beyond automation, the story examines what this could mean for labour pressures, efficiency, and the long-term resilience of UK food production.  

To learn more about research, partnerships, or collaboration opportunities, visit: lincoln.ac.uk/liat