Robotics Plus

Robotics Plus AP Harvester

The Robotics Plus AP Harvester is an autonomous orchard harvesting platform developed in New Zealand for kiwifruit and apple picking. The system uses a combination of 3D vision, machine learning, and a multi-arm picking mechanism to locate, assess, and harvest fruit from trellis-trained orchards at commercial speed. Robotics Plus has developed the AP Harvester through a collaboration with Zespri, the global kiwifruit marketer, and has conducted extensive trials in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty kiwifruit industry. The platform navigates autonomously between orchard rows, with the fruit conveyance system feeding picked fruit directly to bins for export-grade post-harvest handling. It is also being adapted for apple varieties in collaboration with Washington State University and New Zealand pipfruit growers.