In a bid to revolutionise grape harvesting, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) researchers are piloting new robotic grape pickers in collaboration with Extend Robotics and the Saffron Grange vineyard. 

The project focuses on developing a robotic system equipped with advanced sensors and AI, allowing it to detect ripeness and gently pick grapes with pressure-sensitive ‘fingers’. This innovation aims to meet the high standards needed for grapes destined for fine wine, which are currently valued at approximately £5,000 ($6,480) per tonne.