Where are the robots?

We know growers face significant challenges with cost and availability of skilled labor. We’ve seen amazing technological advancements in computer vision, AI and robotics coupled with ever-increasing capabilities and continuously decreasing component costs. And the AgTech ecosystem is adding new members offering all kinds of new technologies at an impressive rate.

But what we don’t yet see are robots everywhere on farms, in orchards and in greenhouses. Mechanization has established a secure position in agriculture, and industrial-style automation has a good presence in the pre-planting and post-harvesting space.

So, where are the robots? There are technological challenges when it comes to replacing or augmenting human labor. And a few companies have solutions that seem suitable for performing many tasks.

So, where are the robots? In 2023, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre interviewed 26 stakeholders in the horticultural automation industry to better understand their perspective on challenges and opportunities (see next page for more information). And we learned that the two main reasons for growers not adopting automation are ROI and trust.

ROI drives virtually all decision-making when it comes to technology adoption (with quality, convenience, environmental impact and other minor concerns sprinkled in). ROI is a balance between cost and performance — your technology needs to do the job well at a reasonable price.

We also hear that growers overwhelmingly see AgTech equipment as a capital expenditure. Ongoing monthly subscription payments are a hard sell (although not necessarily impossible). Technology has to be user-friendly, not subject to unending updates and easily serviceable.

Trust is another major factor: trust that the technology does what it’s supposed to, trust that it won’t cause catastrophic harm to the crop, trust that it’s not just another empty promise. Don’t depend on a plethora of added-value features. Make your technology do one job really well, with its ROI clearly defined accordingly. If it has added value, then it should be exactly that: a bonus. Also, growers are pragmatic; they care about function and not form.

So, where are the robots? Apart from some promising pilot projects, they’re in the same place they’ve been for quite a while: just around the corner. If you’re developing new technology, then reach out to see how we can help boost your performance and validate your product. If you’re a grower or distributor looking to filter out the noise, then reach out to see how we can help foster adoption to get the technology in your hands. Vineland is ready and able to help launch more technology into the market and ensure there’s a solid impact for the industry.

Brian Lynch, Ph.D., is director of Horticultural Technology Solutions at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Ontario, Canada. Brian.lynch@vinelandresearch.com

Read the rest of the 2024 State of the Industry Report:

2024 State of the Industry

Pacing for profitability: Tom Stenzel and Tracy Nazzaro

Innovations, local demand fuel growth: Vonnie Estes

A new market for Eden Green

States court CEA business, education for economic development: University of Wyoming