by Fruit picking is a labor intensive process that requires manual harvesting of fruits from orchards. Traditionally, fruits such as apples, oranges, mangoes, grapes among others are harvested manually using ladders or by climbing trees. However, rising labor costs and shortage of agricultural workers have necessitated the adoption of automated fruit picking robots. Fruit picking robots utilize computer vision, robotics and artificial intelligence technologies to identify, pick and store fruits efficiently with high accuracy and minimal wastage. Equipped with cameras, grippers and machine learning algorithms, these robots can pick different varieties of fruits based on their shape, size and color. A single fruit picking robot can harvest over 100 kgs of fruits per hour, significantly increasing the productivity compared to human labor.
The global Fruit Picking Robots Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 838.74 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 40.% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market key trends:
One of the key trends in the fruit picking robots market is the increasing adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies. Several robot manufacturers are focusing on developing fruit picking robots integrated with advanced computer vision and deep learning algorithms. These robots can recognize unripe, ripe and spoiled fruits with high accuracy by analyzing images captured by on-board cameras. They can also map fruit locations, determine fruit sizes and ripeness levels before plucking them from trees and vines. For instance, Abundant Robotics, an agricultural robotics startup has developed cherry picking robots that use computer vision and deep learning to pick ripe cherries with 97% success rate. Such advanced technologies are helping robots to work autonomously with minimum human supervision thereby improving the productivity and efficiency of fruit harvesting operations.
Porter’s Analysis
Threat of new entrants: The threat of new entrants is low as it requires huge capital investment to develop robots and automation technologies. There are also intellectual property barriers and economies of scale that provide advantages to established players.
Bargaining power of buyers: The bargaining power of buyers is moderate as fruit picking robots provide sustainability and scalability benefits to farms. However, farms can negotiate on pricing and functionality.
Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is moderate as there are some technology companies that supply key components for robots. However, established robotics companies can develop alternative suppliers.
Threat of new substitutes: The threat of new substitutes is low as manual fruit picking is labor intensive. Automation helps address issues of rising labor costs and shortage of workforce.
Competitive rivalry: The competitive rivalry is high due to presence of global technology companies offering advanced solutions. Players compete based on pricing, functionality, and service.
Key Takeaways
The Global Fruit Picking Robots Market Demand is expected to witness high growth. Advancements in robotics, computer vision, and AI are enabling the development of intelligent fruit picking robots that can efficiently harvest a variety of fruits including apples, oranges, grapes, and berries.
Regional analysis – North America and Europe dominate the fruit picking robots market due to large presence of technologically advanced orchards and growers adopting automation solutions for harvest process. Asia Pacific is expected to showcase high growth with increasing mechanization in countries like China and India.
Key players operating in the fruit picking robots market are abbott Laboratories (US), Medtronic PLCv (Ireland), DexCom, Inc. (US), iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (US), and Texas Instruments Inc. (US). Players are focusing on developing robot swarm technology, computer vision, and analytics capabilities in their solutions in collaboration with agricultural institutes
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
