Agricultural Robotics has emerged as a finalist at Croc Pitch 2023. We have the chance to secure $1 million in venture capital funding thanks to the support of Paspalis (PIIF) and their Darwin Innovation Hub. Our groundbreaking solution? An auto harvester that promises to revolutionize the way mangoes are harvested and alleviate the challenges faced by growers due to labor scarcity, high costs, and logistics complexity.
The Labor-Intensive Mango Harvest – Mango harvesting has long been known as a labor-intensive process that requires a significant workforce to manually pick the fruits from trees. However, the scarcity of labor combined with rising costs has created a significant burden for growers. The provision of accommodation, travel, meals, and medical care for workers adds substantial overhead and logistical challenges for farmers, ultimately impacting their profitability.
Time Sensitivity and Perishability – Adding to the complexity, mangoes have an intensive and short harvest period. These delectable fruits are highly perishable, and delays in picking by just three days can result in substantial crop losses. This time sensitivity puts immense pressure on growers to ensure swift and efficient harvesting to maximize the yield and profitability of their mango orchards.
Health Hazards and Extreme Conditions – Another challenge faced by mango harvesters is the potential health hazards associated with the job. Mango sap can cause severe skin burns or rashes, leading to a significant portion of the workforce falling ill or requiring steroid treatments. Moreover, the harvest season falls during mid-summer when temperatures frequently soar above 40°C (104°F). These extreme conditions pose health risks to laborers and further exacerbate the difficulties faced in recruiting and retaining an adequate workforce.
Enter Agricultural Robotics’ Mango Auto Harvester – Recognizing the urgent need for an innovative solution, Agricultural Robotics has developed an autonomous mango harvesting system that promises to transform the industry. The mango auto harvester is equipped with advanced robotics and vision, enabling it to efficiently and accurately identify ripe mangoes and delicately harvest them from the trees.
The Benefits of our Mango Auto-Harvester
- Increased Efficiency: The autonomous harvesting system significantly increases harvesting speed and efficiency. It can work around the clock, picking mangoes at a rapid pace, reducing the time-sensitive nature of the harvest process.
- Cost Reduction: By eliminating the need for manual labor, growers can reduce labor costs, overhead expenses, and the logistical complexities associated with managing a large workforce. This cost reduction can contribute to increased profitability for farmers.
- Improved Quality and Yield: The mango auto harvester ensures precise and gentle handling of the fruits, minimizing damage and improving overall fruit quality. With a more efficient harvesting process, growers can expect higher yields and a reduction in post-harvest losses.
- Worker Safety and Health: By replacing manual labor with robotics, the health risks associated with mango sap exposure and extreme weather conditions are significantly mitigated. This ensures the well-being of workers and reduces the likelihood of labor shortages due to illness or injury.
As Agricultural Robotics prepares to pitch our mango auto harvester at the Croc Pitch 2023 event, the potential impact of our innovation us clear. By addressing the labor shortage issue and streamlining the mango harvesting process, our autonomous solution has the potential to revolutionize the way mangoes are grown and harvested worldwide. With the support of PIIF and the chance to secure $1 million in venture capital funding, Agricultural Robotics is well positioned to make a lasting impact on the industry and pave the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future for mango growers.
