This is our story.
Robotics Plus Ltd emerged from the need to solve the growing challenges in the global primary industries such as: labour shortages, sustainability for growers, pollination gaps and yield security.
It started with a good foundation.
During the early days of GroPlus, the first of the Plus Group companies, Steve Saunders had a vision of sustainability – decades before this concept became mainstream. Steve recognised the underlying need to adopt best practices that would ensure efficiency in the horticulture industry, yet at the heart of all decisions was the deep desire to look after the growers.
This service-driven business model is alive and well today, with new business development still tied to improving the grower experience and their yield security. These values drive the Plus Group of Companies to continue to operate with a common purpose that connects the group together and gives a clear point of difference to customers.
Steve’s vision and industry knowledge collided with technical know-how when he met the then PhD candidate Alistair Scarfe.
Their collective aim was to develop technology and capability with a focus on automated systems for horticulture to address the growing challenges in the industry.
Three key outcomes emerged from
this capability building period
Kiwi-Fruit Harvester
A kiwifruit harvester independently assessed as world-leading harvest technology.
Quad Duster™
A quadbike-based kiwifruit pollination system called QuadDuster™ that demonstrated the benefits of even assistive technologies, but more importantly it validated the vision of a ‘service model’ approach to technology deployment.
PhD in Industrial Automation
Alistair’s completed his PhD in Industrial Automation, helping solidify the technological basis of Robotics Plus Ltd (RPL) approach.
A Strong Footing.
With this footing, Robotics Plus Ltd was established as a start-up company focused on developing Mechanisation, Automation, Robotics and Sensor (MARS) technologies for horticulture and other primary industries. We employ a modern technological approach to automation using advanced computer based design, embedded control systems and modern manufacturing processes that have enabled us to develop several world first technologies and deliver efficient solutions across a range of engineering disciplines.
Our team’s multidisciplinary background enables us to address complete systems not just individual sections. We integrate the best technological solution based on merit. Although off-the-shelf components are used where possible, many components or systems are either too costly or not quite right for optimising performance. We often develop our own arms and control systems to ensure we can meet all specifications, whether its speed, size, cost or other metric to ensure we can meet end-user requirements.
What Sets Us Apart.
Customer insight is critical to creating systems suitable for industry. During the first five years of startup phase, RPL’s core strategic focus and function was directed at research and development of an Autonomous, Kiwifruit Harvester and a Robotic Apple Packing Cell; building internal capability and strategic relationships; as well as investigating market and customer requirements.
What emerged is an approach to business that provides access to our cutting-edge technology through contract service. This means our customers do not have to buy complete systems and get the most up-to-date versions on the market.
We live in a growing world where it is becoming harder to supply healthy food options like fresh produce to people globally and keep maintain a competitive price point against processed alternatives.
Robotics can help the sustainable future of fresh produce.Robotics Plus Ltd can deliver products, processes, services or advice with a complete system perspective.
We stand by our values.
Stewardship.
Kaitiakitanga.
We are stewards of our people and the environment, providing growth and sustainable technology solutions that add value and build a better future for our people.
Pioneering.
He aronga nui.
We are creative, visionary and inspiring, the example for others to follow. Developing innovative and practical solutions at the forefront and having fun along the way.
Collaborative.
Manaakitanga.
We collaborate and co-innovate positively with our peers and partners, always stronger together than alone.
Principled.
Tika me te pono.
We act with honesty and integrity, respecting and supporting each other. We value our customers and are always professional in our conduct.
