Precision farming specialist Topcon Agriculture and vision-based agriculture developer Bonsai Robotics have launched a joint initiative for agricultural automation of permanent crops. The collaboration will build on Bonsai Robotics’ vision-based autonomous driving technologies and Topcon’s sensor, connectivity, and smart implement technologies.

Permanent crops include trees and shrubs producing crops such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, nuts and vines. Particular challenges that face permanent crops agriculture include productivity, improving yields, and managing fungal infections and pests, all of which can be labour intensive.

The collaboration will combine Bonsai Robotics’ vision-based, autonomous navigation systems with Topcon’s autosteering, telematics and smart implement integration. The two companies are aiming to create end-to-end systems to provide labour-intensive task automations, data-driven decision making, and high-precision harvesting technology for challenging environments.

“At Bonsai Robotics, we are revolutionising orchard farming by automating some of the industry’s most challenging processes,” said Tyler Niday, CEO of Bonsai Robotics. “Joining forces with Topcon Agriculture allows us to integrate our AI-first approach to vision-based autonomy with their suite of precision sensors and smart implement controls, offering farmers seamless solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability.”

“Topcon Agriculture’s advanced autosteering systems, telematics, and implement controls are designed to empower farmers with cutting-edge technology and insights,” said Antonio Marzia, EVP and GM of Topcon Agriculture. “Teaming with Bonsai Robotics extends this capability to orchard farming, enabling us to globally deliver precision automation solutions that address critical pain points in orchard farming including labor shortages, resource inefficiency, and the need for sustainability.”