Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has acquired New Zealand-based Robotics Plus, a leading innovator in agricultural automation, in a move set to accelerate the development of autonomous farming solutions worldwide. The acquisition forms the foundation of Yamaha Agriculture, Inc., a newly launched U.S.-based subsidiary dedicated to delivering AI-powered digital solutions and autonomous equipment to speciality crop growers.
A Strategic Move for Agricultural Innovation
The acquisition marks a significant step in Yamaha Motor’s long-term strategy to integrate robotics and artificial intelligence into modern farming. Robotics Plus, co-founded by Steve Saunders and Dr Alistair Scarfe, specialises in automation solutions designed to address labour shortages, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability in agriculture. The company’s flagship product, Prospr, is an autonomous, multi-purpose hybrid vehicle designed for orchard and vineyard operations, capable of spraying, weed control, and additional tasks through modular attachments.
“Robotics Plus was founded on a vision to develop state-of-the-art robotic technology to solve some of the global agriculture industry’s biggest challenges, including labour, productivity and sustainability issues,” said Steve Saunders, CEO of Robotics Plus. “This acquisition is a testament to the strong partnership we’ve built with Yamaha over the years, driven by a shared vision and commitment to empowering large-scale growers.”
Yamaha’s Continued Investment in Robotics Plus
Yamaha Motor has supported Robotics Plus since 2017, initially investing $8 million USD to acquire a 15% stake in the company. The latest acquisition consolidates Yamaha’s commitment to agricultural automation and expands its presence in the agtech sector. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the price falls within the NZ/Japan financial threshold for Overseas Investment Office approval, suggesting a valuation under $200 million NZD.
Under Yamaha’s ownership, Robotics Plus will continue to operate from its headquarters in Tauranga, New Zealand, retaining its 130 employees and high-value intellectual property. The acquisition is expected to create further opportunities for skilled jobs in robotics, automation, and AI development.
The Role of Robotics Plus in Yamaha Agriculture
The establishment of Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. aligns with Yamaha’s Long-Term Vision 2030, which focuses on advancing robotics, rethinking mobility, and transforming agricultural solutions. The newly formed company will integrate Robotics Plus’ autonomous technology with advanced data analytics from The Yield, an Australian precision agriculture firm also acquired by Yamaha.
“Guided by our mission to ensure growers are sustainable, profitable, and resilient, Yamaha Agriculture recognises that the challenges facing specialty crop growers require thoughtful solutions,” said Nolan Paul, Group CEO of Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. “The capabilities of Robotics Plus in robotics and automation will be an important building block in addressing these challenges along with AI-powered data analytics.”
Prospr: The Future of Autonomous Farming?
At the core of Yamaha Agriculture’s strategy is Prospr, Robotics Plus’ latest autonomous vehicle. Designed to enhance efficiency and precision in specialty crop farming, Prospr can be remotely controlled via a mobile app, with one operator managing up to four vehicles at once. The system utilises LiDAR sensors and advanced computer vision to detect obstacles and navigate complex agricultural environments.
The multi-functional vehicle, which sells for between $245,000 to $300,000 USD, is already gaining traction in global markets, particularly in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Future updates will introduce new attachments for additional orchard and vineyard tasks, further increasing Prospr’s versatility.
A New Era for Agricultural Robotics
With Robotics Plus now under its umbrella, Yamaha Agriculture is positioned to become a leader in agricultural automation, combining Yamaha’s engineering expertise with cutting-edge AI and robotics. The acquisition reflects a broader industry trend, as agriculture shifts toward automation to address labor shortages and sustainability challenges.
“Scale is the key to making technology more accessible and affordable for growers in New Zealand and beyond,” said Steve Saunders. “Partnering early on with a global corporate that shared our vision allowed us to accelerate our expansion.”