New Zealand-based Robotics Plus has signed an agreement to be acquired by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. This deal will form the foundation of Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. The new company will deliver autonomous equipment and AI-powered digital solutions to specialty crop growers. It aims to help growers become more sustainable, profitable, and resilient amid scarcer resources and climate change.
Robotics Plus develops cutting-edge agricultural automation technology. The company combines robotics, automation, sensing, and data analytics. Its latest product, Prospr, is an autonomous hybrid vehicle built for orchards and vineyards. Prospr performs spraying and weed control, with mowing attachments in development. The company also offers the Āporo Fruit Packer and a robotic log scaler. These products help tackle labor shortages and boost efficiency, precision, sustainability, and safety.
Since 2017, Yamaha Motor has strategically invested in Robotics Plus. Yamaha has supported the development of advanced automation solutions for agriculture. Now, Robotics Plus will continue operating at its headquarters in Tauranga, New Zealand. This move retains high-value skilled jobs and fosters local intellectual property development. Meanwhile, Yamaha Agriculture will help the company expand globally.
Steve Saunders, Co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus, said, “We founded Robotics Plus to create state-of-the-art robotic technology that solves major challenges in agriculture. Our innovations address labor, productivity, and sustainability issues.” He added that Prospr plays a central role in Yamaha Agriculture’s global strategy. Yamaha’s support will accelerate robotics innovation and scale hardware manufacturing. In addition, the company aims to expand in key markets like the US and beyond.
Dr. Alistair Scarfe, Co-founder and Chief Engineering Officer, stated, “Thinking big helps us tackle globally scalable challenges. Yamaha Motor’s expertise pushes our team to deliver best-in-class solutions.” Nolan Paul, Group CEO of Yamaha Agriculture, said, “We will merge Robotics Plus’ capabilities with advanced data analytics to enable precision farming.” This integration will support producers of wine grapes, apples, and other specialty crops in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Overall, Yamaha Motor’s acquisition of Robotics Plus marks a bold step in agricultural technology. The move will drive innovation in precision agriculture and create lasting benefits for growers worldwide.