Yamaha Motor acquires Robotics Plus to drive agricultural automation
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has acquired New Zealand-based Robotics Plus and launched Yamaha Agriculture, a new U.S.-based agricultural technology company.
TXT Yamaha Agriculture will focus on autonomous machinery and AI-driven digital solutions to help specialty crop growers improve efficiency and sustainability amid labor shortages and climate challenges. Robotics Plus specializes in robotics, automation, sensing, and data analytics for agriculture. One of its key innovations is Prospr, an autonomous, multipurpose hybrid vehicle designed for spraying and weed control, with future attachments planned for additional tasks such as mowing.
Other Robotics Plus innovations include the Āporo Fruit Packer, which automates fruit packaging, and a robotic log scaler, which automates log measurement for transportation via trucks and trains.
Since 2017, Yamaha Motor has strategically invested in Robotics Plus to advance agricultural automation and expand its presence in the agtech sector. Following the acquisition, Robotics Plus will continue operations from Tauranga, New Zealand, retaining skilled jobs and intellectual property while benefiting from Yamaha Agriculture’s global support.
Growth and innovation under Yamaha’s leadership
According to Steve Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus, the acquisition solidifies a strong partnership with Yamaha Motor and aligns with their shared vision for precision agriculture: “Robotics Plus was founded to develop cutting-edge robotic technology to address major challenges in agriculture, such as labor shortages and sustainability. With Yamaha’s global infrastructure and expertise, we can accelerate innovation, scale hardware manufacturing, and expand into key markets like the U.S. and beyond.”
Autonomous technology combined with advanced data analytics
In addition to acquiring Robotics Plus, Yamaha Agriculture has also acquired The Yield Technology Solutions, an Australian company specializing in AI-driven data analytics for agriculture. By integrating Prospr with advanced data analytics, Yamaha Agriculture aims to support wine grape, apple, and other specialty crop growers across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
From its inception, Robotics Plus has pursued a global market. The company has grown into a team of 130 experts, with its robotic solutions deployed worldwide. With Yamaha Agriculture’s support, Robotics Plus is poised for its next phase of growth, further developing autonomous technology and AI-driven solutions for global agricultural markets.
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