CNH Bolsters High-Tech Harvesting Portfolio with Investment in Advanced Farm Technologies

CNH Industrial, a renowned equipment and services company, has taken a significant step towards transforming the future of fruit farming by making a strategic minority investment in Advanced Farm Technologies. This California-based start-up specializes in pioneering robotic fruit harvesting, with a particular focus on apples and strawberries. This partnership is poised to propel the development and commercialization of cutting-edge smart harvesting technologies, marking a significant advancement in the agricultural sector.

The agricultural landscape in the United States has long grappled with the challenge of high labor costs associated with fruit production. A staggering 46% of the production costs for apples and a substantial 70% for strawberries can be attributed to labor-intensive handpicking. CNH Industrial's collaboration with Advanced Farm Technologies seeks to address this pressing issue head-on, with the goal of substantially enhancing productivity.

By implementing robotic picking solutions, the potential for efficiency gains reaches up to fivefold, a development that promises to counteract the ongoing decline in the availability of handpicking labor.

At the heart of Advanced Farm Technologies' innovative approach is a sophisticated tech stack that leverages machine learning and computer vision. These technologies enable the robots to discern and select the highest-quality fruits, a task they can perform seamlessly day or night. Equipped with gentle grippers, a serial-hybrid drive system, autonomous navigation capabilities, and automated bin handling, these robotic arms eliminate the need for labor-intensive activities such as manually moving ladders from tree to tree. This not only significantly reduces the physical strain on agricultural workers but also augments overall efficiency in the harvesting process.

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For CNH Industrial, this investment aligns seamlessly with their overarching strategy, which prioritizes the incorporation of cutting-edge solutions into their portfolio. Their primary focus revolves around automated, autonomous, and sustainable farming innovations, designed to address complex challenges faced by their customers. In their own words, they are dedicated to "automated, autonomous, and sustainable farming innovations that solve important and complex challenges for our customers."

The collaboration between CNH Industrial and Advanced Farm Technologies is poised to usher in a new era of industry and ecosystem innovation. This partnership extends beyond financial support, as it encompasses a comprehensive approach to research and development, as well as the commercialization of game-changing technologies. Together, they aim to revolutionize the way fruits are harvested, aligning their efforts with the broader goals of achieving sustainability and efficiency in agriculture.

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As these two entities join forces, they hold the promise of reshaping the fruit farming landscape, reducing labor costs, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the industry. Their shared vision for a future where technology plays a pivotal role in agriculture underscores their commitment to delivering solutions that will benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment alike. The future of fruit harvesting is indeed ripe with possibilities, and CNH Industrial and Advanced Farm Technologies are at the forefront of this exciting transformation.

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