Photo credit: www.therobotreport.com
Prospr is an autonomous, hybrid vehicle designed to carry out various orchard and vineyard tasks. | Credit: Robotics Plus
Yamaha Motor Co. has made significant strides in the agricultural technology sector by acquiring Robotics Plus Ltd., leading to the establishment of Yamaha Agriculture Inc. This new entity aims to develop autonomous machinery and AI-driven digital systems specifically tailored to assist growers in the specialty crop market.
Headquartered in Japan, Yamaha Motor’s strategic moves, which also include acquiring The Yield Technology Solutions, are designed to enhance the development and deployment of advanced robotics. These initiatives are expected to bring AI and analytics into precision farming practices for various specialty crops, such as wine grapes and apples, in regions including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
According to Nolan Paul, the group’s CEO of Yamaha Agriculture, the company is dedicated to ensuring that growers are sustainable, profitable, and resilient. He emphasized the need for thoughtful solutions to the challenges faced by specialty crop growers, acknowledging that such innovations require time and collaboration with industry partners.
Paul highlighted the valuable contributions of Robotics Plus in the fields of robotics and automation, which he views as foundational for addressing agricultural challenges. He asserted that Yamaha Agriculture aims for a thoughtful approach that creates substantial value for farmers while adhering to Yamaha’s renowned quality and reliability.
Register today to save 40% on conference passes!
Robotics Plus Provides Cutting-Edge Agricultural Robotics
Through its partnership with The Yield, which specializes in advanced analytics and AI modeling, Yamaha Agriculture plans to enhance its offerings by integrating Prospr’s capabilities for improved data-driven decision-making for farmers.
Jim Aota, chief strategy officer at Yamaha Motor, described the inception of Yamaha Agriculture as a crucial step towards the company’s Long-Term Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to embrace advancements in robotics and reimagine agricultural solutions. This new venture reflects Yamaha’s commitment to transforming mobility in the agricultural sector.
With its robust experience as a high-performance product manufacturer, Yamaha aims to weave together the capabilities of The Yield and Robotics Plus into a holistic platform that bolsters precision farming. This integration is anticipated to help farmers minimize costs, optimize resource use, and enhance productivity.
Yamaha Agriculture’s Global Precision Agriculture Strategy
Vineyards are one of the target markets for the new portfolio of solutions from Yamaha Agriculture. | Credit: Robotics Plus
Robotics Plus, having expanded its workforce to 130 individuals, is poised for further growth with the launch of the new company, as noted by CEO Saunders. He believes that scalability is vital for making technology more accessible and affordable for growers across New Zealand and beyond, effectively positioning the new entity for global outreach from its inception.
“Partnering with a global company that aligns with our vision has accelerated our growth trajectory,” Saunders remarked. The establishment of Robotics Plus demonstrates the potential for building a leading agritech firm in New Zealand capable of achieving international success.
Dr. Alistair Scarfe, co-founder and chief engineering officer at Robotics Plus, pointed out that addressing significant agricultural challenges necessitates a broad perspective and a commitment to global solutions. He noted that this approach has been instrumental in assembling a top-tier team proficient in agriculture, technology, and engineering, enabling the delivery of outstanding robotic solutions deployed worldwide.
Scarfe also expressed enthusiasm about continuing to innovate alongside Yamaha Agriculture, highlighting their shared dedication to quality, reliability, and safety in agricultural advancements.
Source
www.therobotreport.com