Yamaha acquires NZ’s Robotics Plus, boosting agricultural automation
New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor to form Yamaha Agriculture.
Rarely a week goes by without a report on a quad crash, prompting howls from experts for better rider training.
Meanwhile riders can soften the blows by wearing safety helmets. Though more farmers seem to be wearing them, many don't, citing issues of weight, ventilation and the struggle to communicate effectively with workers and dogs.
Now, Yamaha and helmet maker Shark at Fieldays launched to the world their 'X16', said to be the first fully certified helmet developed specifically for quad, side-by-side and ROV users.
Low weight of 1200g is achieved with a composite fibreglass shell, durable and proof against knocks onfarm.
Meeting ECE 22-05 and DOT safety standards, the helmet has many features to improve its usability onfarm.
An easy set-and-forget buckle outperforms the traditional double 'D' ring design; large cooling vents promote air flow; large earpads make communication easy; and inserts can reduce noise.
Accessories deal with dust, wind and flies, and a peak and neck guard keeps off the sun.
All units are Bluetooth ready: they have recesses for earphones and a Bluetooth communications controller. A removable easy-clean inner liner makes cleaning easy.
At Fieldays, Yamaha ATV and ROV marketing man Lance Turnley showed a pair of prototype examples. The helmets will go on sale towards the end of the year, he says.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
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