US demand for apple industry robotics driving change at Hawke’s Bay manufacturer | NZ Herald (NZ) | 01KYNSP5PR8V7JZAZMZCKWMY0W

Demand from the United States for advanced robotics capable of picking apples is driving innovation at a New Zealand manufacturing firm. Robotics Plus, based in Hawke's Bay, has successfully deployed its latest model, the Gen 5 Apple Packer, in Washington state, a major apple-producing region in the U.S.

The deployment marks a significant step for the company in the competitive agricultural technology sector. The Gen 5 Apple Packers are designed to automate the labor-intensive process of harvesting apples, a task traditionally performed by human pickers. This automation aims to address labor shortages and rising costs faced by growers in the U.S. apple industry.

Robotics Plus has been developing robotic solutions for agriculture for several years. The company's technology uses sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence to identify, pick, and pack apples with precision, minimizing damage to the fruit. The successful operation of the first 50 units in Washington is expected to pave the way for wider adoption and further development of their automated harvesting systems.