How Robots & Drones Are Revolutionizing Fruit Picking & Farming Efficiency

Dan Lalonde
Apr 25
1 min read

Farming is entering a new era, powered by robotics and drones that are transforming the way fruit is harvested and handled. Leading the charge are Tevel’s Flying Autonomous Robots (FARs), which use AI and computer vision to identify and pick ripe fruit with precision. These aerial robots can navigate orchards 24/7, ensuring fruits are harvested at peak ripeness without damaging trees—something human labor often struggles with.

Already active in the U.S., Italy, Chile, and Israel, Tevel’s drones have helped cut labor costs by up to 30% and improve harvest accuracy. Through a mobile app, farmers gain real-time data on each fruit’s size, color, and ripeness, allowing smarter scheduling and reduced waste. These drones also monitor crop health and track bin locations for streamlined operations.

On the post-harvest front, innovation is just beginning. UC San Diego’s experimental GRIP-tape gripper, inspired by steel tape measures, offers a soft-touch robotic solution for handling fragile produce like tomatoes and lemons. Its flexible “fingers” extend and move with precision, minimizing damage—though the tech remains in testing stages.

While Tevel’s drones are already making an impact, tools like the GRIP-tape gripper hint at the future of gentle, adaptive produce handling. Together, they show how automation in agriculture is both solving today’s challenges and laying the groundwork for smarter, safer food production tomorrow.