Robotics Plus equipment, Prospr, in an orchard. Photo courtesy of Robotics Plus.

Oct 23, 2024
Robotics Plus highlights autonomous vehicle for orchards, vineyard

New Zealand-based agritech company Robotics Plus returned to FIRA USA and highlighted Prospr, its autonomous hybrid vehicle designed to assist orchard and vineyard operations.

Robotics Plus founders Dr Alistair Scarfe (Chief Engineering Officer) and Steve Saunders (CEO).
Robotics Plus founders Dr Alistair Scarfe (Chief Engineering Officer) and Steve Saunders (CEO). Photos courtesy of Robotics Plus.

Prospr, launched last year, is used in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand for its ability to carry out a range of tasks that reduces the reliance on ag labor.

Robotic Plus' Prospr is an autonomous vehicle, shown here completing tasks in a vineyard
Robotics Plus’ Prospr is a robust, autonomous, multi-use hybrid vehicle designed to carry out various orchard and vineyard crop tasks.

“The biggest challenge growers face is producing more food while reducing their environmental impact,” said Steve Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus. “Prospr’s modular architecture allows it to adapt to various tasks across different crops and seasons, maximizing its utility for growers.”

Robotics Plus equipment, Prospr, in action. Photo courtesy of Robotics Plus.

Robotics Plus said Prospr increases efficiency, lowers emissions by 70% with its hybrid diesel-electric system and enables intelligent spraying and crop management, Saunders said in a press release.

Robotics Plus equipment, Prospr, in an orchard. Photo courtesy of Robotics Plus.

“At FIRA, we’re excited to showcase how Prospr’s AI-driven navigation system is shaping the future of agriculture, allowing for precision and safety in even the most complex environments,” added Alistair Scarfe, co-founder and chief engineering officer at Robotics Plus.

Robotics Plus-Prospr’s state-of-the-art collision avoidance system integrates LiDAR and cameras to detect and identify obstacles
Robotics Plus-Prospr’s state-of-the-art collision avoidance system integrates LiDAR and cameras to detect and identify obstacles.

Prospr’s technology includes a collision avoidance system using LiDAR and cameras to navigate safely through orchards, as well as a user-friendly interface that allows operators to manage multiple tasks remotely.

For more information, visit roboticsplus.co.nz.




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