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Quick recap

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The meeting focused on agricultural robotics and automation, with a presentation on a tomato harvesting robot that can reduce labor costs while working alongside human workers in greenhouse operations. The discussion covered the current state of robotic harvesting technology across different countries, with the Netherlands leading in greenhouse and CEA technology while Canada lags behind despite having spread innovation across multiple industries. The group also addressed business models for robotic systems, research funding opportunities, and upcoming events in the agricultural robotics sector, including a panel discussion on what scares people about agrobotics and updates on automated farming technologies.

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Next steps

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• Corey to provide Brian with more information about the second camera on the end effector of the tomato harvesting robot.

• Corey to share his email with Brian for follow-up questions about the Ritter tomato harvesting robot.

• Matt to share FIRA USA notes and photos with interested members who email him at Matt@FiniteRobotics.com.

• Matt to provide Bridget with information about companies at FIRA USA that could be potential presenters for the working group.

• Bridget to contact Jeremy Noble from Advantage Farm Equipment about potentially presenting on Agritechnica after attending.

• Ian to reach out to farmers attending Agritechnica to present their findings to the working group.

• Members to consider presenting in the new year and email Dan, Bridget, or Ashley if interested.

• Members to prepare for next week's Halloween-themed meeting "What Scares You About AgRobotics" .

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Summary

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Tomato Harvesting Robot Overview

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Corey presented Ritter's tomato harvesting robot, highlighting its role in addressing labor challenges in greenhouse operations. He explained that the robot, while not replacing all human workers, can reduce labor costs by 50% per square meter and is currently in trials with five companies. The robot is designed to work consistently longer than human workers and can be monitored and controlled via a tablet. Corey emphasized that the robot's effectiveness depends on meeting specific packaging requirements set by end users like grocery stores.

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Agricultural Robotics and Labor Challenges

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Corey discussed the challenges of labor in the agricultural industry, noting that even during normal times, finding workers remains difficult. He explained that while robots can assist in harvesting, they do not completely replace human workers, who are still needed to ensure accuracy and quality. Brian inquired about the business model for the robots, to which Corey replied that it is currently a capital expenditure model with no licensing fees. Joe asked about the state of robotic harvesting in Canada compared to the Netherlands, and Corey concluded that the Netherlands is the current leader in greenhouse and CEA technology, though other countries are catching up with innovative ideas.

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Agricultural Innovation and Technology Adoption

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Corey explained that while the Netherlands is ahead in agricultural innovation, Canada is spread across multiple industries, which slows adoption. Brian inquired about the benefits and costs of adding a second camera to the end-of-arm tool, and Corey suggested it enhances vision capabilities and safety features. Dan asked if there are examples where the Netherlands has adopted technology but Canada is still behind, though this was not addressed in the transcript.

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Advancements in Agricultural Robotics

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The meeting covered several key topics, including a presentation by Corey on greenhouse robotics and automation, with a focus on geothermal energy and scouting technologies. The group discussed the adoption of robotics in agriculture, comparing it to the rapid adoption of milking robots in dairy farms. Bridget announced research funding opportunities for field crop-based robotics and introduced Ashley Castleman as her replacement during maternity leave. The working group also discussed upcoming meetings, including a Halloween-themed session on "What Scares You About AgRobotics" with a panel of experts. Matt provided an update on the FIRA U.S.A. event, highlighting advancements in automated orchard sprayers and weeding technologies. The conversation ended with a brief discussion on job opportunities in the agricultural robotics sector.

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