AIT took on a challenge with no precedent in the sector: developing a broccoli harvester entirely from scratch. The project, named “VORTEX”, was structured around clear milestones with a well-defined goal, commercial launch in 2025 for the Iberian market, bringing to the field a solution that had never existed before.
The technological process was based on a demanding premise: for a machine to be truly efficient in broccoli harvesting, the agronomic system feeding it must be flawless. That’s why AIT’s engineering went hand in hand with “crop architecture”, homogeneous varieties and seedlings, precise planting (with planter and laser guidance), and uniform irrigation. The machine was not conceived as an isolated unit, but as the final link in an optimized chain, capable of delivering consistent performance under real field conditions.
During trials and validation phases, AIT compared the theoretical speeds stated by manufacturers (1.5–3 km/h, equivalent to 1 ha/h) with actual field performance, where entries, exits, and loading times play a significant role. The most reliable operational figure was clear: approximately one hectare every two hours. This technical realism allowed adjustments in design and operation to maximize productivity without compromising product quality.
Final performance depends on agronomic planning and field uniformity, achieving yields between 10 and 20 tons per hectare. The key lies in “genetic–mechatronic synergy”, varieties designed for mechanical harvesting and a machine capable of handling broccoli gently and efficiently under the right agricultural conditions.
The result represents both a qualitative and quantitative leap: around 20x increase in harvesting capacity, possibility of introducing a new crop without major staff changes, mitigation of labor shortages in the area, a robust, field-proven solution supported by leading companies.
VORTEX doesn’t just mechanize, it redefines the process, positioning AIT as a technological company that takes on challenges, integrates agronomic and engineering knowledge, and delivers tangible value to the agricultural industry.
