Explaining the Absence of Robots in Modern Greenhouses

Vegetable harvesting robot proof of concept | Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

We know growers face significant challenges with the cost and availability of skilled labor. We’ve seen amazing technological advancements in computer, vision, AI, and robotics coupled with ever-increasing capabilities and continuously decreasing component costs. And the AgTech ecosystem is adding new members offering all kinds of new technologies at an impressive rate.

However, what we don’t yet see are robots everywhere on farms, in orchards, and in greenhouses. Mechanization has established a secure position in agriculture and industrial-style automation has a good presence in the pre-planting and post-harvesting space. So, why don’t we see more robots?

There are technological challenges when it comes to replacing or augmenting human labor. And a few companies have solutions that seem suitable for performing many tasks. So, where are the robots?

In 2023, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre interviewed 26 stakeholders in the horticultural automation industry to better understand their perspectives on challenges and opportunities. And we learned that the two main reasons for growers not adopting automation are ROI and trust.

Modern Technology and ROI

ROI drives virtually all decision-making when it comes to technology adoption (with quality, convenience, environmental impact, and other minor concerns sprinkled in). ROI is a balance between cost and performance — your technology needs to do the job well at a reasonable price. We also hear that growers overwhelmingly see AgTech equipment as a capital expenditure. Ongoing monthly subscription payments are a hard sell (although not necessarily impossible). Additionally, technology has to be user-friendly, not subject to unending updates, as well as easily serviceable.

Trust in Robotics

Trust is another major factor: trust that the technology does what it’s supposed to, trust that it won’t cause catastrophic harm to the crop, and trust that it’s not just another empty promise.

Don’t depend on a plethora of added-value features. Make your technology do one job really well and its ROI clearly defined accordingly. If it has added value then it should be exactly that, a bonus. Also, growers are pragmatic, in that they care about function and not form.

Horticultural Technology Solutions at Vineland

So, where are the robots? Apart from some promising pilot projects, they’re in the same place they’ve been for quite a while: just around the corner. If you’re developing new technology, then reach out to see how we can help boost your performance and validate your product. If you’re a grower or distributor looking to filter out the noise, then reach out to see how we can help foster adoption to get the technology in your hands. Vineland is ready and able to help launch more technology into the market and ensure there’s a solid impact for the industry.