Agricultural robotics is not a new phenomenon. We’ve seen systems that pick apples and berries, kill weeds, plant trees, transport produce, and more. But while these functions are understandably the core features of automated systems, the same is true here as it is true of technology: It’s all about data. A huge piece of the value of any of these products is the amount of information their built-in sensors collect.
In a sense, Orchard Robotics’ system cuts out the middle man. That’s not to say there isn’t still great potential value in automating these tasks during labor shortages, but the young startup’s system lowers the barrier to entry with a detection unit that connects to existing hardware like tractors and other farm vehicles.
While many farmers are willing to adopt technologies that can potentially increase their yield and take on roles that have been difficult to keep staffed, fully automated robotic systems may be too prohibitive to justify the first step.
As the name suggests, Orchard begins with an emphasis on apple crops. The system’s cameras can capture up to 100 images per second, recording information about each tree they pass. Orchard OS software then uses AI to create maps with the collected data. This includes each bud/fruit found on each tree, their distribution and even the shade of the apple.
“Our cameras image trees from bud to bloom to harvest and use advanced computer vision and machine learning models we’ve developed to collect accurate data on hundreds of millions of fruits,” says founder and CEO Charlie Wu. “This is a monumental step forward from traditional methods, which rely on samples of perhaps 100 fruits picked by hand.”
Mapped thanks to the integrated GPS, farmers have a more complete picture of the success rate of their crops, down to the position and size of the tree, within a few inches. The company was founded at Cornell University in 2022. Despite its young age, it has already started testing the technology with farmers. Last season’s field trials were apparently successful enough to attract real investor interest.
This week, the Seattle-based company is announcing a $3.2 million round led by General Catalyst. Humba Ventures, Soma Capital, Correlation Ventures, VU Venture Partners and Genius Ventures also participated in the raise, which follows a previously unannounced pre-seed of $600,000.
The funding will be used to increase headcount, R&D and accelerate Orchard’s go-to-market efforts.
