Prefiro’s AI-Powered Harvester Tackles Asparagus Labor Shortage
Prefiro, a Karlsruhe-based startup, is developing smart harvesting machines to address the growing challenges of labor shortages and rising costs in the agricultural sector, initially focusing on the burgeoning market for green asparagus.
A key driver behind Prefiro’s strategy is a deliberate focus on green asparagus over the more traditionally popular white asparagus in Germany. As the co-founder and CEO, Lorenzo di Leo, explained in a recent interview, “The technological approach is the main difference.” White asparagus grows underground, requiring robust machinery capable of navigating challenging soil conditions. Green asparagus, however, grows above ground, allowing Prefiro to utilize lighter, more agile hardware and specialized detection technology.
Previous attempts at automating white asparagus harvesting have faced hurdles. According to reports, existing machines often damage the crop during harvest, plowing through the growing beds and reducing yields. This inefficiency has prevented widespread adoption among farmers.
Di Leo believes green asparagus presents a significant growth opportunity, citing its increasing international popularity and appeal to younger consumers. He also highlights the pressing need for automated solutions as asparagus farms grapple with a dwindling workforce and escalating labor costs. The company’s innovative approach earned them the T3N Startup Award at Data: Unplugged 2025.
Prototype Testing and AI Integration
Prefiro’s harvesting machine leverages artificial intelligence, specifically trained to identify and record asparagus. The company has designed and built the hardware in-house, centering the system around a robotic arm capable of harvesting asparagus from three rows simultaneously while attached to a tractor. While fully autonomous operation isn’t currently a priority, Di Leo emphasizes the company’s focus on optimizing the core harvesting process.
This season, Prefiro’s prototype underwent field testing with four farmers. Initial results indicate that harvest speed remains a key area for improvement. Currently, the machine takes approximately four seconds per stalk, while the target is one second. Further refinement is also needed for the automatic sorting of harvested vegetables into boxes.
Future Plans and Market Outlook
Prefiro plans to deploy three machines for rent to farmers by the next growing season. The team faces the dual challenge of finalizing technical adjustments and navigating a competitive landscape, as detailed in a recent T3N interview with the Karlsruhe company.
The company’s success hinges on delivering a cost-effective and efficient solution to a critical problem facing the asparagus industry. As labor challenges intensify and demand for green asparagus continues to rise, Prefiro’s innovative approach could reshape the future of asparagus harvesting.
