Robotics Plus Ltd.

【AEA 2017 Alumni】
Manufacturing and distribution businesses around the world are being dramatically disrupted by robotics, automation and data analytics. However, primary industries such as horticulture, agriculture and forestry have struggled to adopt this hi-tech revolution and are viewed by independent reports as been the least automated industries globally. Harsh and highly variable environments in these industries have traditionally made measurement and automation very difficult. Processes are highly labour intensive and data collection is fragmented and disparate.
RPL’s success is to deeply understand complex food and fibre value chains as well as have a deep understanding and experience with emerging technologies such as machine vision, artificial intelligence, computing, electronics and robotics. We partner with leading research organisations to ensure that our solutions are at the forefront of technology capability.
We consequently have a track record of developing robotic, automation and analytics solutions which free the primary industries workforce of repetitive work as well as minimising waste, optimising hygiene and creating more control for farmers, crop managers and post-harvest industries who seek to power up productivity in food and fibre value chains.
“Robotics Plus is the future of in-orchard and post-harvest automation, with its real-world, sophisticated, precision robotics being developed today to meet the significant and increasing agricultural demands of tomorrow.”
Andrew Dawson Acting Group Manager – Sensing & Automation at Callaghan Innovation

ALISTAIR SCARFE
CTO, Director, Owner

Nominated by

Investment Manager,
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)
Robotics Plus Ltd (RPL) is an early stage hi-tech company that successfully attaining its first year of revenue in 2017. RPL have developed ground breaking robotic, automation and analytics solutions that have the ability to transform horticultural and agricultural industries by addressing the increasing challenges of rising wages and labour shortages as well as product waste, hygiene and lack of efficiency. Their technological capabilities, proven by the adaptable and modular products they have produced, have attracted the attention of major global manufacturers and food producers from around the world. These multinationals recognise the need for specialist skills to apply automation into highly variable agricultural environments. RPL’s opportunities in global markets are evidenced by independent research, feedback, pending contracts with key global customers / distributors, and orders for their products. Capture of their first and the largest apple-packing customer in the US demonstrates an innovative approach in their product and business model with a clear competitive advantage. RPL would provide an outstanding representation to Japan of NZ’s ability to provide innovative unique solutions and approaches to global problems particularly in the area of food / agriculture. The interest from a large global Japanese company is evidence of that. A partnership with a major Japanese company will enable a collaborative R&D programme combining Japanese manufacturing expertise and supply chains with New Zealand’s strong reputation for agricultural innovation and global networks.