Over the last 6+ years, CARES has partnered with Robotics Plus to develop robotics technologies for orchards.
Our collaboration on project Multipurpose Orchard Robotics, developed new orchard automation technology for pollination and harvesting services internationally using a new multi-purpose autonomous robot. (Funded by MBIE and Robotics Plus). The Unmanned Ground Vehicle developed on this project is now heading on the pathway towards commercialisation, with significant overseas investment.
Robotics Plus was profiled on TVNZ’s Sunday, check out this video to hear how founder Steve Saunders is leading his team to solve growing challenges in primary industries. Robotics Plus On Sunday.
About Robotics Plus:
Robotics Plus was founded in 2013 by Steve Saunders and Dr Alistair Scarfe with a simple goal in mind: to improve the quality, productivity, and sustainability of the horticultural and other primary industry supply chains. The company’s R&D efforts focus on automation, vision, robotics and AI, to solve the growing challenges in the primary industry globally such as labour shortages, sustainability for growers and producers, pollination gaps, and yield security. (Scoop Business).
As well as collecting a number of awards for their innovation, Robotics Plus has been very successful in acquiring international investment.
2016 Young New Zealand Innovator of the year (Finalist)
2019 New Zealand Innovator of the year (Finalist)
2019 Hi-Tech Awards Most Innovative AgriTech Company
2019 Hi-Tech Awards Most Innovative Maori Company of the Year
2019 ANZLF Trans-Tasman Innovation and Growth Award Winner