Saturday, 09 August 2025 15:25

Croptide Launches AI Vineyard Assistant ‘alora’ in NZ

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Croptide co-founder, Hamish Penny

An agritech startup is introducing Kiwi winegrowers to a 24/7 vineyard assistant with instant access to winery, vineyard and plant-procedured data.

Croptide's latest digital venture, alora, uses voice activated artificial intelligence to give data-driven responses to questions posed on the phone, such as 'when was this block last sprayed?', 'give me a summary of what's been happening in the vineyard', or 'what's the temperature range forecasted for this week?'

The assistant also taps into information from Croptide's Rosetta sensors, launched in 2021, which monitor plant stress to finesse decisions around water or nutrient inputs.

Company co-founder Hamish Penny says while developers were building the sensors they notices a disconnect between the amount of data winegrowers and orchardists collect, and the lack of time and ability they have to exploit its value.

Alora is intended to bridge that divide, so that time-poor operators can call up while driving to a block for example, and ask for updates based on their own data, or external resources such as weather forecasts.

Published in Industry

More like this

AI-powered fertiliser mapping a game changer for farmers

Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.

Keeping cyber attacks at bay

Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.

World-first 'digital eyes' to assess pasture cover

Assessing pasture cover has just been become easier, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI-powered robotic feed pusher

While most New Zealand farmers operate with animals at pasture all year round, unlike their European counterparts, several operations in the South Island have invested in cow barns to beat the often-inclement weather.

AI helps detect lameness early

Dairy farmers can boost their reproduction success this mating season by prioritising hoof health and early lameness detection to keep cows in top condition and make the most of a promising forecast payout, according to agritech company Herd-i.