Multipurpose Orchard Robotics

EFFECTS OF ROBOTS ON AGRICULTURE SECTOR

■ Minimize human interaction and address significant issues

• Global Labor shortages
• Rising Orchard Costs
• Lack of yield security

■ Increased orchard returns and improved skill levels

The ‘Mulitpurpose Orchard Robotics’ project was a four year collaboration between the University of Auckland, Robotics Plus Ltd, the University of Waikato and Plant and Food Research.  This project developed new orchard automation technology for pollination and harvesting services internationally using a new multi-purpose autonomous robot. The new technology addresses significant issues in the orchard industry: global labour shortages, rising orchard costs, and lack of yield security (for example due to bee Colony Collapse Disorder, which affects fruit pollination, reducing fruit size and yields). The research will also benefit the NZ orchard industry through increasing returns and efficiency.  The project is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).