Robotics Plus, a New Zealand-based agricultural automation specialist, has been acquired by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., forming the foundation of a newly established U.S.-based division, Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. The acquisition aims to accelerate the development of autonomous equipment and AI-powered solutions to help specialty crop farmers improve sustainability, productivity, and profitability.
Image: Robotics Plus founders Dr Alistair Scarfe (Chief Engineering Officer) and Steve Saunders (CEO)
Robotics Plus has developed advanced technologies combining robotics, automation, sensing, and data analytics to address challenges in agriculture, such as labor shortages and sustainability. Its flagship innovation, Prospr, is a versatile autonomous hybrid vehicle designed for tasks in orchards and vineyards.
Since 2017, Yamaha Motor has been a strategic investor in Robotics Plus, supporting the development of agricultural automation solutions and expanding its presence in the agtech sector. With this acquisition, Robotics Plus will continue operating from its headquarters in Tauranga, retaining its workforce and intellectual property development within New Zealand, while benefiting from Yamaha Agriculture's global network and resources.
Robotics Plus' latest commercial innovation is Prospr, a robust, autonomous, multi-use hybrid vehicle designed to carry out various orchard and vineyard crop tasks
The partnership with Yamaha will allow the company to scale its manufacturing capabilities, accelerate technological innovations, and expand into key international markets, including the United States.
Dr. Alistair Scarfe, Co-founder and Chief Engineering Officer, emphasized that addressing large-scale agricultural challenges requires global solutions. He noted that the partnership with Yamaha would enable the company to enhance its capabilities while continuing to focus on developing reliable, high-quality robotic solutions.
Expanding Yamaha's agricultural strategy
Yamaha Agriculture's CEO, Nolan Paul, stated that the division aims to help specialty crop growers remain sustainable and profitable amid evolving challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity. Paul emphasized that meaningful agricultural innovation requires collaboration with growers and industry partners.
Prospr
Yamaha Agriculture recently acquired The Yield, a company specializing in AI-driven data analytics and yield prediction. By combining Robotics Plus' robotics technology with advanced data analytics, Yamaha plans to offer integrated solutions that support specialty crop producers across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Global expansion and future outlook
Founded with a global focus, Robotics Plus has grown rapidly, employing 130 staff and deploying its technologies across international markets. Saunders noted that scaling globally has been key to making agricultural technology more affordable and accessible for growers.
The acquisition acknowledges the support Robotics Plus received from New Zealand government entities, including ACC, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Callaghan Innovation, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), which contributed to its early development.
For more information:
Sandra Lukey
Robotics Plus
Tel: +64 21 2262 858
Email: sandra@shinegroup.co.nz
www.roboticsplus.co.nz