Head of Robotics (gn) @ Agriculture Robotics Start-up, Berlin

ABOUT TUPU

🍄 We are Tupu, an early-stage Berlin-based start-up with the vision to create a carbon-neutral, circular food production system that will change the way we produce and consume food. Using data-driven technology and highly efficient land usage we are able to manufacture environmentally friendly products, hence, reducing CO2 emissions.

We are looking for a passionate and mission-driven Head of Robotics to shape one of the most booming and future-critical industries with us. You will work very closely with the C-level team to reshape the way we produce mushrooms.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Your role will involve the development and harvesting automation aimed at transforming the food and agriculture industry. You'll collaborate with robotics, camera vision, IoT, and data science technologies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. This position will encompass on-site work within our production facility and office, as well as remote work opportunities. Anticipate gaining hands-on experience, contributing to strategic long-term plans, and collaborating across multiple departments to deliver technological innovations tailored to various user groups.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and implementation of a cost-effective robotic harvesting system for mushrooms, ensuring efficient and gentle handling of the product while delivering a positive return on investment (ROI). Develop a comprehensive business case outlining the projected ROI of the robotic system, considering factors like labor cost reduction, increased yield consistency, and improved product quality.

• Oversee the design and integration of robotic systems into our autonomous farm operations, optimizing workflows and maximizing productivity. Identify opportunities for automation across various aspects of the farm, including spawning, casing, fruiting chamber management, and harvesting.

• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, and mushroom cultivation specialists to ensure the robots meet the specific needs of our crops and farming environment. Develop a deep understanding of the mushroom growth cycle and environmental factors to optimize robot performance.

The technology stack you should know:

• Lead the selection and implementation of a suitable technology stack for the robotic systems, including:

  • Hardware: Industrial robotic arms, manipulators, grippers, sensors (e.g., LiDAR, cameras), and machine vision systems.

  • Software: Robot Operating System (ROS), motion planning software, machine learning libraries for object recognition and path optimization, farm management software integration.

• Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in agricultural robotics and automation technologies, particularly those related to object picking, machine learning, and sensor fusion.

• Identify and evaluate new robotic technologies and solutions for potential integration into our farming systems, focusing on solutions that demonstrably improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance data-driven decision-making.

Your experience…

• Master's degree in Robotics, Engineering, or a related field (PhD preferred).

• Minimum 5 years of experience leading robotics projects, preferably in agriculture or a similar controlled environment.

• Proven experience in designing, developing, and implementing robotic solutions that deliver a positive ROI.

• Strong understanding of robotic systems, automation principles, mechatronics, and object manipulation in dynamic environments.

• Experience with machine vision, sensors, and gripper technology.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage and lead a team effectively.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to robotics (e.g., Python, ROS)