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Prospr, an autonomous, multi-purpose hybrid vehicle
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.
The new company will be focused on delivering autonomous equipment and AI-powered digital solutions that help growers in the specialty crop market become more sustainable, profitable and resilient.
Robotics Plus currently develops automation solutions for agriculture, calling on expertise in robotics, automation, sensing, and data analytics, leading to a proven record of delivering innovative technologies to global markets. Its latest development, Prospr, is a robust, autonomous, multi-purpose hybrid vehicle designed to perform a range of orchard and vineyard tasks. Built to tackle labour shortages and enhance efficiency, precision, sustainability, and safety, the vehicle is capable of multiple activities, including spraying and weed control, with complementary attachments, such as mowing, currently in development.
Yamaha Motor has supported Robotics Plus since 2017, with strategic investment to drive development of agricultural automation technologies and to expand its presence in the ag-tech sector. Following the acquisition, the company will continue to operate its core business from its headquarters in Tauranga, retaining high value skilled jobs and IP development in New Zealand, delivered by a team of 130 employees, while benefiting from the support of Yamaha Agriculture globally. Yamaha Agriculture will combine Robotics Plus’ robotic solution Prospr with advanced data analytics to support producers of wine grapes, apples, and other specialty crops across North America, Australia, and
New Zealand.
The company Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Saunders says Robotics Plus was founded on a vision to solve the agricultural industry’s biggest challenges around labour, productivity and sustainability. “Over the years, we have formed a strong partnership with Yamaha to empower large-scale growers, so innovations like Prospr, at the heart of Yamaha Agriculture’s global strategy, will enable a data-driven approach to precision agriculture."
Nolan Paul, Group CEO, Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. says Yamaha Agriculture recognises that the challenges facing specialty crop growers require solutions that will take time to develop. “The capabilities of Robotics Plus in robotics and automation will be an important building block in addressing these challenges, along with AI-powered data analytics. We are committed to an approach that prioritizes creating real value for growers while maintaining the standards of quality and reliability for which Yamaha Motors is known.”
yamaha-agriculture.com
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