Apple harvesting robot launches $20 million community-funded campaign

Abundant Robots, an apple harvesting automation start-up that delivers high-quality products to consumers, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise up to $20 million (£14.7 million) in seed capital to enable it to scale up its K F operations.

The launch follows the acquisition of Abundant Robotics’ intellectual property by corporate innovation venture studio and start-up incubator Wavemaker Labs Asia. This acquisition is part of Wavermaker Labs’ larger strategy to bring intelligent automation solutions to market. It aims to help shape a more efficient and sustainable future of thoughtfully sourced food and improve food quality from seed to table.

While Abundant Robots said its goal is to create easily adaptable equipment that helps farmers maximize efficiency during harvest without compromising food quality.

Pairing Abundant Robots’ robotic manipulation and vacuum-based harvesting capabilities with Wavemaker Labs’ technology development and scaling expertise, the companies will work to bring the machine to market at a more affordable price.

The capital raised during the initial seed round through the Wax equity crowdfunding site will also be used to build an experienced management team.

The startup added that by launching through equity funding, any individual can invest in the company without high upfront costs.

Form: https://www.roboticsandinnovation.co.uk/news/agriculture/apple-harvesting-robot-firm-launches-us20m-crowdfunding-campaign.html