What makes the human hand so difficult to replicate? In a recent episode of the MaRS Solve for X podcast, Mycionics CEO Stefan Glibetic joins Canada's leading robotics experts to discuss the future of dexterous robots, AI-powered automation, and why mushroom harvesting has become one of robotics' most challenging—and rewarding—applications.

What happens when humans and robots harvest side by side? Not in theory, but in the real, high-pressure reality of mushroom farms, with variable growth, peak flushes, labour shortages and razor-thin margins.

Every breakthrough in mushroom cultivation begins with a simple question: how can we do this better? For years, growers around the world have faced the same relentless challenges, labour shortages, ergonomic strain, rising production demands and the constant pressure to maintain quality with fewer hands in the growing rooms.

A still image taken from a promotional video of the manufacturer whose technology is key to the new Leamington mushroom plant that is displacing Highline Mushrooms’ Prince Edward County plant.

Canadian Mycionics has launched its robotic mushroom harvesting and scanning system with South Mill Champs.

Jana Tian, right, of Upside Robotics makes a point at an Ag Robotics Working Group panel discussion during the London Farm Show. Matt Stevens of Finite Robotics looks on. Photo: John Greig

Heereco, an organic mushroom cultivator in the Netherlands, is implementing a fully integrated automated solution for mushroom harvesting in the fresh market. This is executed by strategically integrating Christiaens’ future-proof Drawer System and Mycionics’ robotic technology, including the pointer system.

Mycionics, a robotic technology firm, and Christiaens Group, a supplier of farms and equipment to the global mushroom industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to supply a robotic mushroom harvesting solution for the Drawer System.