PROSPR Looks To Address Labor Issues In Western Ag

A robotics company from halfway around the world away is helping Washington growers overcome labor and other farm challenges.  Robotics Plus is a New Zealand-based company with offices in California and the Evergreen state.  The company recently showcased its multi-use autonomous vehicle for orchards and vineyards at FIRA USA, an ag robotics event, in northern California.  Steve Saunders is the co-founder and CEO at Robotics Plus; he says his company’s multi use vehicle is called PROSPR.

“Crosses are fully full electric machine but powered by a diesel engine,” Saunders said.  “So it's a it's a diesel electric hype.”

Right now, the machine is used by growers of wine grapes, apples, cherries as well as stone fruit.  Saunders noted PROSPR is helping growers overcome labor challenges as well as addressing environmental concerns.

“With the price per unit, we reduced fuel use by 70%, which is the real positive step towards the decarbonisation.  And then also through the smart technology we put on the machine, we're reducing the amount of chemical that needs to be applied on the crops as well.  What’s particularly unique is the way that it can turn tow to row. So we can cover a lot more acres of spraying in a day as well.”

And Saunders added PROSPR can be configured to fit the individual needs of each growers.

“We've developed essentially a power unit, or you could say a tractor, and then we have different attachments that we can attach to the tractor.  But then also with those attachments, through the smart technology, we can apply things in different ways.  So, our sprayer for example, we have a lot more control over each band, we can control the wind speed, and we can control the application rate.  So, it gives a lot more flexibility and opportunity to the farmer.”

To date, about 20 PROSPR units are being used in Washington and California. Visit Robotics Plus's Website to learn more.

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