Fruit Thinning Robots Market - By Robots (Robots, End Effector Tools/Manipulator), By Sensing Technology (Vision-based, Non-vision based), By End User (Individual Farmers, Agricultural Cooperatives, Corporate Farming Enterprises) & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Fruit Thinning Robots Market - By Robots (Robots, End Effector Tools/Manipulator), By Sensing Technology (Vision-based, Non-vision based), By End User (Individual Farmers, Agricultural Cooperatives, Corporate Farming Enterprises) & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Fruit Thinning Robots Market Size

Fruit Thinning Robots Market was valued at USD 550 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 13% between 2024 and 2032.

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According to the estimates of the International Labor Organization (ILO), in 2022, around 26% of the population was employed in the agriculture sector. This indicates the drastic reduction in employment in agriculture as compared to the 33% employment in 2010. People are avoiding agriculture as a career choice due to challenges such as inadequate wages for labor, the need for specialized education and training, and the absence of social protection policies. These factors contribute to a shortage of skilled workers in the sectors, thereby increasing the demand for fruit thinning robots in the market.
 

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According to the World Banks estimates, by 2050, the population of world will be around nine million. Also, the organization states that to satisfy the needs of the increased global population, there should be over 70% production of food. Smart practices, such as precision control agriculture, can use resources sustainably for optimal production. Precision agriculture leverages advanced technologies for effective minimization of inputs, labor, and time usage, maximizing production and improving profitability. The rising adoption of precision farming will boost the demand for the market.

High initial investment costs are a significant challenge for the fruit thinning robots market as the technology requires a substantial upfront expenditure. For example, purchasing a single robot can cost around USD 100,000, not including additional expenses for installation, training, and maintenance. This high cost can be prohibitive, especially for small and medium-sized farms, making it difficult for them to adopt these advanced technologies despite their potential benefits.

Fruit Thinning Robots Market Trends

Vacuum suction cups instead of conventional grippers are utilized with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) along with vision technology, for offering precision in the picking the fruits. Unlike conventional gripper, vacuum suction cup applies even pressure on the surface of the fruit. This alternative ensures the safety of the fruit and tree while operations. For instance, in November 2023, KUKA and the Upper Bavarian company digital workbench companies collaborated for a mobile harvesting robot to support fruit farmers during the apple harvest. KR AGILUS series with vacuum suction cup has mounted on the new Tipard 1800 multi-carrier platform from digital workbench.

Flying fruit-picking robots offer significant advantages, including increased efficiency and speed by covering large areas quickly. They address labor shortages by providing a reliable, autonomous alternative to human pickers. Additionally, these robots ensure precision and accuracy in harvesting, using advanced sensors and AI to identify and pick ripe fruits without causing damage. The rising demand for fruit thinning robots encourages manufacturers to invest more in these tech products. For instance, in January 2021, Tevel Aerobotics Technologies, the first producer of flying fruit-picking robots, announced fund raising of USD 20 million for its technology. This indicates that the company is willing to expand its business in this sector.

Fruit Thinning Robots Market Analysis

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Based on robots, the market is divided into robots and end effector tools/manipulator. The robots segment is expected to reach a value of over USD 1 billion by 2032.

• The robots segment in the fruit thinning market focuses on the entire robotic systems designed to perform thinning tasks autonomously. These robots are equipped with advanced AI, computer vision, and navigation systems that allow them to identify and thin fruit precisely. They can operate continuously, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity in orchards. Their ability to work in various terrains and conditions makes them a versatile tool for modern agriculture. For instance, in July 2024, Saga Robotics, an agri-tech firm, announced a significant expansion of Thorvald robotic services across the UK. The firm has become a provider of autonomous robotic services for efficient strawberry production.
• The end effector tools or manipulators are the components of the robots that interact directly with the fruits. These tools are designed to mimic the delicate handling required to thin fruits without causing damage. Innovations in soft robotics have led to the development of grippers and claws that can gently grasp and remove fruits. This segment is crucial for ensuring that the robots can perform their tasks with the necessary precision and care

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Based on end user, the fruit thinning robots market is divided into individual farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and corporate farming enterprises. The agricultural cooperatives segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 15% between 2024 and 2032.

• Agricultural cooperatives are leveraging the collective resources of their members to invest in advanced fruit thinning robots. These cooperatives often pool funds to purchase and maintain robotic systems, which can then be shared among members, reducing individual costs. The trend in this segment is toward cooperative ownership and usage of robots, enabling small and medium-sized farms to access cutting-edge technology. This shared approach not only improves efficiency but also fosters innovations and knowledge exchange among farmers.
• Individual farmers are increasingly adopting fruit thinning robots to enhance productivity and manage labor shortages. With advancements making robots more user-friendly and cost-effective, smaller farms are beginning to see the benefits of integrating these technologies. The trend toward precision farming also encourages individual farmers to invest in robots to improve crop quality and yield. Despite high initial costs, the long-term gains in efficiency and reduced labor dependency make these robots an asset for individual farmers

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North America market is expected to reach USD 630 billion by 2032. In North America, the adoption of fruit thinning robots is driven by the increasing labor costs and shortage of seasonal agricultural workers. Farmers are turning to automation to maintain productivity and efficiency in fruit thinning operations.

The U.S. market for fruit thinning robots is propelled by technological advancements and a strong emphasis on precision agriculture. Farmers are integrating robotics to enhance yield quality and reduce dependence on manual labor, thereby improving overall farm profitability. For instance, the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) collaborated to build advanced foundational research in agricultural robotics. Such partnerships are encouraging the farmers to use robots.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development division of Human resource departments report, after Brexit in February 2020, the UK lost about 330,000 farm laborers. This famer shortage in the country left the famer business with incorporating automation in the farming business. This need for automation in the UK will create a demand for fruit thinning robots.

In China, rapid urbanization has led to a decline in agricultural labor availability. Fruit thinning robots are increasingly adopted to mitigate labor shortages and ensure timely and efficient fruit thinning, catering to the growing demand for high-quality produce.

Japan's aging agricultural workforce and declining population are key drivers for the adoption of fruit thinning robots. Robotics technology offers a solution to maintain productivity levels in fruit farming while addressing the challenges posed by labor scarcity and an aging demographic.

In South Korea, government support for agricultural innovation and a focus on sustainable farming practices are driving the adoption of fruit thinning robots. Farmers are embracing automation to achieve higher efficiency, reduce production costs, and meet the consumer demand for premium quality fruits.

Fruit Thinning Robots Market Share

Key companies in the fruit thinning robots industry are focusing on innovative technologies, such as AI and ML, to enhance robot capabilities for precise fruit detection and gentle handling. They are also expanding their product portfolios to cater to different fruit types and varying orchard conditions globally. Additionally, these companies are prioritizing partnerships with agricultural organizations and research institutions to accelerate product development and ensure their solutions meet the evolving needs of fruit growers worldwide.

Some of the other major players in the market are Bakus Robotics, Fruition Sciences, Kawasaki Robotics, Harvest CROO Robotics LLC., Naïo Technologies, Octinion, Saga Robotics, EcoRobotix.

Fruit Thinning Robots Market Companies

Major players operating in the fruit thinning robots industry are

• FFRobotics
• Abundant Robotics
• Tevel Aerobotics Technologies
• Clearpath Robotics, Inc.
• Kubota Corporation

Fruit Thinning Robots Industry News

• In April 2023, Tevel Aerobotics Technologies, an Israeli developer of autonomous flying fruit-picking robots, was recognized as one of the winners in the World Ag Expo competition in Tulare, California. This achievement built the brand image and helped the company to attract customers.

The fruit thinning robots market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD billion) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments

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Market, By Robots

• Robots 
  • Autonomous mobile robots
  • Stationary robotic gantry system
  • Tele-operated
• End effector tools/Manipulator 
  • Pruning shear
  • Pruning saw
  • Vacuum pruning
  • Looper attachments
  • Hedge trimmer
  • Grasping tool

Market, By Sensing Technology

• Vision-based 
  • 2D imaging
  • 3D imaging
  • Hyperspectral imaging
  • 3D imaging
• Non-vision based 
  • Mechanical sensing
  • LiDAR
• Others

Market, By End User

• Individual farmers
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Corporate farming enterprises

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries

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