Making The Most Of NZ Farmland With Robots
‘Buy land, my boy, they’re not making any more of it.’ So said Mark Twain when discussing how the value of real estate rises with a growing population, but his observation is just as relevant today with arable land. As the world’s populace swells, so does the pressure on our agricultural sector to produce more from a static quantity of farmable real estate.
So just how do you extract more from existing resources? You farm smarter—pushing the boundaries of efficiency, sustainability, and precision to make gains that weren’t even remotely possible before. Recent leaps forward in robotics and AI have opened a new door to savings, especially in labour and operational costs, that past primary producers could only dream of.
Robotics Plus to the Fore
Leading this revolutionary charge is Tauranga-based agritech company Robotics Plus, which recently showcased its flagship solution, Prospr, an autonomous multi-use vehicle, at FIRA USA 2024. Originally launched last year, Prospr offers a versatile solution for orchards and vineyards with its ability to carry out a wide range of tasks while reducing labour dependency, fuel use, and emissions.
“Globally, the big challenge for growers is to produce more food sustainably and with minimal environmental impact,” says Steve Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus. Prospr’s design centres on adaptability, meaning growers can configure it with tools specific to various crops and operations across seasons. This flexible approach helps maximize returns on investment while meeting evolving agricultural needs.
Prospr’s potential impact in the fields of orchards and vineyards is immense: it brings a suite of smart solutions, like automated intelligent spraying, that deliver precision not achievable with traditional methods. And, because Prospr runs on a hybrid diesel-electric system, it cuts fuel consumption by up to 70%, making it not just cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Advanced AI, Smarter Farming
An AI-driven navigation system lies at the heart of Prospr’s functionality. This system uses LiDAR technology and onboard cameras for collision avoidance and obstacle detection, enabling Prospr to safely manoeuvre complex farm environments without constant – and potentially fallible! – human oversight. LiDAR’s laser-based mapping allows Prospr to create accurate 3D surroundings, identifying obstacles from a distance while maintaining high speeds wherever safe.
Prospr’s unique approach to safety and efficiency in navigation includes real-time speed adjustment, obstacle avoidance, and an automatic braking system for larger hazards. With its robust AI capabilities, Prospr minimizes accidents and downtime, enabling it to stay operational even under challenging conditions.
Control Made Easy
Robotics Plus know that technological equipment is only ever as good as its interface so Prospr’s is very operator-friendly. This intuitive UI lets farm managers oversee multiple Prospr units, track progress, and adjust tasks remotely, providing insights that enhance planning and productivity. Key features of this system include real-time job status monitoring, a record of completed work, and the ability to quickly toggle between manual and autonomous operation. Operators can also set controls to align with safety and environmental goals, ensuring that the device remains aligned with sustainable practices.
Precision Spraying for Maximum Yield
Spraying in orchards and vineyards is often a notoriously challenging task to manage precisely – but it’s a (controlled!) breeze with Prospr. Its automated spraying system can target specific areas, applying pesticides or nutrients more accurately than traditional sprayers, thereby reducing waste and promoting better crop health. The Prospr spray mechanism also uses a combination of controlled misting and turbulent air to achieve uniform coverage, including the undersides of leaves where pests often hide. This precision leads to better outcomes with fewer chemicals and a healthier yield.
A Global Reach for Local Solutions
Already transforming agricultural practices in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, Prospr has proven its worth in various crop scenarios. showcasing in orchards and vineyards how technology can help growers meet increasing demands for sustainable food production.
It doesn’t matter how innovative we get, we still can’t make any more land – so we have no choice but to jealously husband what farming resources we do have. By utilising the very best currently available in AI, robotics, and modular design in Prospr, Robotics Plus are empowering growers to optimise their operations and focus on what matters most—producing more food for a growing global population.
For more information, visit Robotics Plus.
