Crop Harvesting Robots Market - By Component (Hardware, Software, Service), By Robot Type (Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), By Application (Fruit & Vegetable Harvesting Robots, Grain Harvesting Robots) & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Crop Harvesting Robots Market Size

Crop Harvesting Robots Market was valued at USD 211.8 million in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 23% between 2024 and 2032. The market growth is driven by escalating labor shortages and cost of labor. One of the significant driving factors for the adoption of crop harvesting robots is the increasing challenges and costs associated with human labor in agriculture. Many regions faced labor shortages and the cost of hiring and retaining manual labor for tasks such as harvesting was rising. Crop harvesting robots offer a solution to address these challenges by automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks.
 

For instance, in August 2023, Elbow Beach Capital, a prominent investor focusing on decarbonization, sustainability, and social impact, revealed its third investment in AgriTech by supporting Fieldwork Robotics Ltd., a developer of harvesting robots. Elbow Beach contributed £1.5 million to an ongoing Seedrs round, with an anticipated additional £600k from new investors before the round concludes in September. Furthermore, the surge in demand for agriculture robots is a significant driver propelling the growth of the crop harvesting robots market. With a focus on automating labor-intensive tasks in agriculture, these robots address challenges related to labor shortages and the need for increased efficiency in harvesting processes. Agriculture Robots, equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotic arms, contribute to enhanced precision and productivity in the agricultural sector.
 

Ongoing advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensing technologies have significantly contributed to the development of sophisticated crop-harvesting robots. These robots are equipped with advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and computer vision systems that enable them to identify and harvest crops with high precision. Quoting an instance, in June 2023, researchers from EPFL utilized Chat-GPT-3, a widely used large language model, to create a robotic gripper specifically designed for harvesting tomatoes. This marks an initial showcase of the collaborative potential between artificial intelligence tools and human researchers. The study presents a blueprint for joint human and large language models design of such devices while outlining the potential opportunities and risks associated with integrating AI tools into robotics. The researchers posit that this integration has the potential to revolutionize robot design, making the process more dynamic and straightforward. As technology continues to evolve, the capabilities of crop harvesting robots are likely to improve, further driving market growth.
 

However, the upfront costs associated with acquiring and implementing crop harvesting robots can be significant. Farmers may find it challenging to justify the initial investment, especially if they operate on smaller scales or have limited financial resources. The high costs of purchasing and deploying the robotic systems, as well as potential maintenance expenses, can act as a barrier to widespread adoption, particularly for smaller or less financially secure agricultural operations.
 

Crop Harvesting Robots Market Trends

Future crop harvesting robots are likely to feature enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities. This includes improved algorithms for crop recognition, decision-making processes, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Advanced AI can enable robots to learn and optimize their harvesting strategies over time, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in diverse farming scenarios.
 

Quoting an example, in March 2023, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) unveiled a revolutionary multiple-robot system designed for automated crop harvesting and transportation in agricultural facilities like smart farms. The system integrates cutting-edge mechanical and AI technologies. It comprises crop harvesting robots and transfers robots that autonomously identify and harvest crops, then transport them to loading docks, streamlining the entire farming process in facility farm settings with rapid and precise crop information recognition. This innovation achieves an impressive 80% efficiency compared to human labor.
 

Crop Harvesting Robots Market Analysis

Based on the robot type, the market is divided into Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The UGVs segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 21% during the forecast period. The demand for unmanned ground vehicles in crop harvesting is driven by several key factors. Labor shortages in the agriculture sector, exacerbated by various global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and geopolitical conflicts, have made manual harvesting increasingly difficult. UGVs address this by automating the labor-intensive task of crop harvesting. Additionally, these vehicles offer increased efficiency, precision, and the potential for 24/7 operation, leading to higher yields and reduced post-harvest losses. The growing emphasis on sustainable and technology-driven agriculture further propels the adoption of unmanned ground vehicles in modern farming practices.
 

Based on application, the crop harvesting robots market is categorized into fruit & vegetable harvesting robots, and grain harvesting robots. The fruit & vegetable harvesting robots segment was valued at over USD 105 million in 2023. The adoption of crop harvesting robots in grain harvesting applications is propelled by the pressing need for increased efficiency, scalability, and sustainability in modern agriculture. With labor shortages, rising operational costs, and the demand for higher yields, farmers are turning to robotic solutions. Crop harvesting robots offer precision in grain picking, minimizing waste and enhancing overall productivity. Their ability to work autonomously and continuously, even in challenging weather conditions, makes them crucial for meeting the demands of large-scale grain harvesting while reducing dependency on manual labor and promoting more sustainable farming practices.
 

North America held a dominant market share of over 30% in 2023. North America crop harvesting robots industry is thriving due to a combination of factors. The region faces labor shortages, and the rising demand for agricultural products necessitates efficient and scalable solutions. Governments in countries like U.S. and Canada are investing heavily in agricultural automation, fostering a conducive environment for the growth of the crop harvesting robots market. Moreover, the adoption of advanced technologies and a focus on precision agriculture are driving the integration of robotic solutions. The dynamic agricultural landscape, coupled with a commitment to innovation, positions North America as a key hub for the development and deployment of crop harvesting robot.
 

Crop Harvesting Robots Market Share

AgJunction and Agrobot are major players, holding significant revenue share in the market. These players continue to leverage its expertise in precision agriculture technologies, providing GPS guidance and steering systems to optimize overall farm efficiency. Agrobot, on the other hand, focuses on robotic solutions for fruit harvesting, particularly delicate fruits like strawberries, employing advanced technologies for selective and efficient harvesting. Harvest CROO Robotics is known for its innovations in strawberry harvesting robots, addressing labor shortages in the industry.
 

Additionally, collaborations, partnerships, and mergers are notable strategies as companies seek to consolidate their positions and expand their market reach. The continuous emphasis on technological innovation and strategic collaborations underscores the dynamism and competitiveness within the market.
 

Crop Harvesting Robots Market Companies

Major players operating in the crop harvesting robots industry are:

• AgJunction
• Agrobot
• Energid Technologies
• Harvest CROO Robotics
• Muddy Machines Ltd.
• Naio Technologies
• Octinion
• Ripe Robotics
• Saga Robotics
• Shibuya Seiki
   

Crop Harvesting Robots Industry News:

• In 2023, Tertill, the developer of a solar-powered weeding robot designed for home gardens, has joined forces with Harvest Automation, a company specializing in agrobotics and renowned for its HV100 robots that facilitate plant movement.
   
• In 2022, Bowery Farming completed the acquisition of Traptic. Traptic specializes in employing computer vision, robotic arms, and artificial intelligence (AI) to harvest delicate crops such as fruiting vines, strawberries, tomatoes, and more. Complementing Bowery's existing state-of-the-art robotics technology, the addition of Traptic's capabilities is expected to expedite the commercialization of fruiting and vine crops. With this integration, Bowery will become the pioneering indoor farming company to leverage Traptic technology.
   

The crop harvesting robots market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and Shipments (Units) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Service

Market, By Robot Type

• Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Market, By Application

• Fruit & vegetable harvesting robots
• Grain harvesting robots

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia