AI-Powered Flying Robots Revolutionize Farm Labor Shortages
As farmers worldwide struggle to combat labor shortages, a potential solution has emerged in the form of AI-driven flying robots. Developed by Israeli startup Tevel Aerobotics Technologies, these remarkable robots are tackling the escalating labor crisis by harvesting fruit that would otherwise go to waste.
The Tevel robots hover near fruit trees, deftly picking ripe fruits with their suction arms and gently placing them into collection bins. These tireless pickers work day and night without complaints, visas, lunch breaks, or backtalk, thanks to their continuous power supply tethered to a platform.
What makes these robots truly exceptional is their artificial intelligence capabilities. Equipped with cameras, they can precisely assess each fruit’s size and color, ensuring they only pick perfectly ripe specimens. Furthermore, they provide real-time updates to farmers on harvesting progress, estimated completion time, quantity picked, and associated costs—acting as high-tech sidekicks to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Yaniv Maor, the founder and CEO of Tevel, was inspired to create the company after watching a TV documentary highlighting the demanding nature of fruit picking. With $30 million in funding secured and a team of 60 individuals, Tevel has come a long way.
Tevel’s flying autonomous robots (FARs) possess a distinct advantage over other robotic fruit-picking solutions, which are primarily ground-based and lack the agility and cost-effectiveness of Tevel’s FARs.
Currently, these robots are being deployed in various fruit-rich locations, from Israel’s Golan Heights to California’s valleys, to harvest Asian pears, apples, peaches, and nectarines. However, Tevel has ambitious expansion plans, including venturing into Spain, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. The startup also aims to train the robots to pick more challenging fruits like avocados and mangos, which require cutting from the stem.
While these robots may not match the picking speed of humans just yet, their 24/7 workability provides a significant advantage. Additionally, they help avoid lost fruit due to rot by effortlessly reaching the fruit at the top of trees, which can be harder and more time-consuming for humans to pick.
The emergence of AI and robotics is making a significant impact across various industries, even causing discussions in Hollywood about the potential replacement of actors with AI-generated counterparts. In the food industry, robots are showcasing the efficiency of automation, raising questions about the future role of human servers and chefs.
In the agricultural sector, Tevel’s flying fruit-picking robots represent a glimpse into the future. It seems there will be no place untouched by AI’s impact. While technological advancements may bring countless benefits, it’s important to carefully navigate the transition and ensure a balanced approach that preserves both job opportunities and efficiency.
The Tevel robots offer a promising solution to the ongoing farm labor shortages, revolutionizing fruit picking while addressing sustainability concerns. By embracing these technological innovations, farmers can enhance productivity, reduce waste, and navigate the challenges of a changing world.
