Oxbo releases AutoFill, a new on-harvester automation technology for Oxbo 7440 and 7450 blueberry harvesters. The new system aims to reduce labor by up to 75% and to increase harvester efficiency.
AutoFill automation was designed on the foundation of Oxbo’s EvenFill technology. It has proven to reduce on-machine labor for fresh market and process blueberry growers and to deliver uniform lug weights for improved throughput at the pack house.
AutoFill automatically de-stacks empty lugs, fills lugs to the correct, pre-set weight, and then automatically indexes full lugs to be stacked.
AutoFill can operate with 2 employees in a heavy to medium crop and 1 employee in a light crop monitoring the lug fill process. A standard machine requires 4 to 6 employees for a medium to heavy crop and 2 to 3 for a light crop depending on farm practices.
AutoFill maximizes efficiency and output per hour. fresh market or processed berries. In a heavy crop, AutoFill can harvest 3,600 pounds per hour for fresh market blueberries and 7,200 lbs. per hour for processed blueberries.
“AutoFill is the first technology of its kind in the blueberry market. It delivers an automated solution that streamlines the operation, improves accuracy, and dramatically increases efficiency,” said Cory Venable, Director of Sales & Marketing for Oxbo Fruit. “AutoFill is a game changer for berry growers. It’s all about enhancing productivity and reducing labor reliance during harvest.”
AutoFill automation technology is available through a select, limited release program in 2025 and full production in 2026.