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Orchard vision system turns farm equipment into AI-powered data collectors | TechCrunch

Mar 27, 2024 - techcrunch.com
Orchard Robotics, a startup focusing on agricultural robotics, is developing a system that attaches to existing farm vehicles to collect actionable data from crops. The system uses on-board sensors to capture up to 100 images per second, recording information about every tree it passes. The data collected, including the distribution and hue of each apple, is then used by AI to build detailed maps of the orchard. This technology provides farmers with a comprehensive picture of their crops' success rate, down to the location and size of each tree.

Despite being founded only recently in 2022 at Cornell University, Orchard Robotics has already begun field testing its technology with farmers. The company has managed to secure a $3.2 million seed round, led by General Catalyst, following successful field tests. The funding will be used to increase headcount, accelerate go-to-market efforts, and further research and development.

Key takeaways:

  • Orchard Robotics is a startup that focuses on agricultural robotics, specifically for apple crops, using a sensing module that attaches to existing farm vehicles to collect data.
  • The system uses cameras to capture up to 100 images per second, recording information about every tree it passes, and uses AI to build maps with the collected data.
  • The company was founded at Cornell University in 2022 and has already begun testing the technology with farmers, with last season's field testing generating investor interest.
  • Orchard Robotics recently announced a $3.2 million seed round, led by General Catalyst, with the funds to be used for increasing headcount, R&D, and accelerating go-to-market efforts.
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