Key Takeaways
- Saga Robotics, Bitwise Agronomy, and Chambers Farm announce a three-way collaboration focused on automated yield forecasting.
- Thorvald robot will now capture and analyze fruit data while performing UV-C treatments.
- Bitwise Agronomy integrates Thorvald data with proprietary models to generate precise harvest predictions.
- Chambers Farm acts as the first commercial testing ground for the solution.
- The partnership reflects growing demand for reliable, scalable crop insights in soft fruit production.
Enhanced Role for Saga Robotics’ Thorvald in UK Strawberry Fields
Saga Robotics collaboration integrates Bitwise Agronomy data with Chambers Farm operations
Saga Robotics has announced a strategic three-way collaboration with Bitwise Agronomy and Chambers Farm to introduce a data-centric enhancement to its Thorvald robotic platform. Already active in treating approximately 20% of the UK’s tabletop strawberries with UV-C light, Thorvald will now simultaneously collect and analyze crop data at commercial scale.
Twice weekly, Thorvald robots at Chambers Farm will record high-resolution video of strawberry plants while conducting UV-C treatments. The footage is analyzed using onboard artificial intelligence to count over 3 million fruits and flowers per night and assess their ripeness, assigning scores from 0 (flower) to 7 (overripe). These assessments are geotagged to specific field rows to inform precise decision-making.
Bitwise Agronomy Adds Analytical Capabilities
Bitwise Agronomy and Saga Robotics align technologies for field-level forecasting
The collected data is uploaded to Bitwise Agronomy’s platform, where it is integrated with weather inputs, sensor data, and proprietary ripening models. This fusion enables growers to generate yield forecasts with a level of accuracy that supports planning for labour allocation, harvesting, and sales.
“This is about putting real numbers in the hands of growers,” said Damian Flynn, Chief Product Officer at Saga Robotics. “By combining our platform with Bitwise’s agronomy intelligence, we’re delivering what the industry has been asking for: reliable, scalable yield prediction based on automated data collection.”
Fiona Turner, CEO of Bitwise Agronomy, emphasized the compatibility between the two technologies. “Thorvald is uniquely positioned to collect high-quality data, consistently and non-invasively, throughout the growing season. What we’re doing is amplifying that data with proven agronomic models.”
Chambers Farm Pilots the Integration
Chambers Farm plays central role in trialing new features of Thorvald platform
Chambers Farm, a long-time advocate of sustainable soft fruit practices, is serving as the pilot location for this new functionality. Managing Director Tim Chambers noted the operational benefits of the system, particularly in planning and labor optimization.
“These are robots that work where it counts: in the field,” Chambers said. “With Bitwise’s forecasting layered in, we’re seeing the potential to take our operational planning to a new level.”
Future of Thorvald and Crop Intelligence
Saga Robotics outlines roadmap for expanded analytics and user interface
Saga Robotics views the current initiative as a key evolution in Thorvald’s utility—from a UV-C treatment platform to a full-spectrum, autonomous crop monitoring and planning tool. The company is also developing a new digital interface for accessing and visualizing the data Thorvald captures in the field.
“Growers don’t need more complexity,” Flynn added. “They need proven tools that slot into their operations and deliver clear insight. This partnership delivers on that promise, and it’s just the beginning.”
Saga Robotics continues to explore additional crop-specific applications and commercial partnerships to expand the scope and impact of its Thorvald platform.
Saga Robotics
Saga Robotics develops autonomous robotic solutions designed to support growers in optimizing production efficiency and reducing input use. Its flagship platform, Thorvald, enables tasks such as UV-C treatment for powdery mildew in strawberries and grapevines, as well as flower and fruit counting for yield forecasting, runner cutting, and the dispensing of predatory mites.
Established in 2016 by Pål Johan From and Lars Grimstad, the company employs around 50 people and maintains operations in Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
