Image: Robotriks
As Cornwall welcomes world leaders for the G7 summit, the University of Plymouth is among the organisations taking part in an exhibition of the region’s ingenuity and innovation in Falmouth.
It aims to showcase pioneering technology, research and partnerships across the agriculture, robotics and sustainability sectors. More details of the University projects on show can be found below.
Inspiring innovation and ingenuity within Cornwall’s food sector
Chef Jude Kereama, owner of Kota in Porthleven and star of BBC Two’s Great British Menu, was inspired by Plant Factory Cornwall to create The Future of Medicine is Clear. The dish was Jude's take on the TV programme's British Innovation theme, and was influenced by the advances Plant Factory Cornwall is making in food as medicine.
Developing robots that improve agricultural economics to enhance our food security
Fieldwork Robotics is a University of Plymouth spinout company developing a range of harvesting robots to support the agriculture sector. Led by Dr Martin Stoelen, Fieldwork is developing soft robot arm technology for selective harvesting tasks in horticulture.
The robot arm joints are able to vary their stiffness in real-time, softening to withstand an impact during fast ballistic phases of movement, and then stiffening to ensure accuracy during the approach and picking phase.
Designing technology to ensure we have sustainable local produce
In collaboration with University of Plymouth research projects Ginium enables UK growers to displace the food import market with locally produced goods.
Their vertical farming methods solve many issues with food growing in the UK. It is season-less, climate-change proof, requires less land than field based agriculture and creates year-round employment rather than seasonal labour.
Building affordable robots to help farming respond to our climate emergency
Robotriks is robotics focused research and development company, and part of a cluster of exciting technology companies emerging at the University of Plymouth in conjunction with the Agri-Tech Cornwall project.
Recent projects include the Robotriks Traction Unit (RTU), a low-cost robotic platform which can be fitted with almost any agricultural implement could help farmers across the UK to overcome the lack of available manual labour.
Sustainable Earth Institute
Agri-Tech Cornwall
European Regional Development Fund