Orchard Robotics

Company Overview

Orchard Robotics is a seed-stage startup that develops an operating system enabling precision agriculture driven by robots and AI. The company was spun out of Cornell University and is focused on helping fruit farmers produce more food for the world. Orchard Robotics is based in Bellevue, Washington, with operations in various locations across Washington state, including Wenatchee, Kennewick, Yakima, and the Royal City/Mattawa area.

The company’s mission is to address a significant challenge in the fruit farming industry. In the United States, orchards produce $35 billion worth of fruit annually, but farmers are losing 30-50% of their potential crop due to a lack of precise data for crop management.

Products Overview

Orchard Robotics has developed cutting-edge camera systems and computer vision software that provide precision data for fruit orchards. Their technology includes:

1. Advanced Camera Systems: These systems feature over 10 internal sensors and utilize patent-pending technology. They are designed to be easily mounted on any tractor or farm vehicle.

2. Custom-built Computer Vision and AI Software: This software allows farmers to “see”, size, and track the visible fruit on every tree in their orchards.

3. Data Analysis Platform: The company provides a platform for analyzing and viewing the collected data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about crop management.

The technology is commercially available for all orchards across the nation and can be used for fruit and trees of any variety. The service is priced by the acre, and farmers can scan their orchards whenever, wherever, and as frequently as they need.

Key features and benefits of their technology include:

• Precision data for every plant in the orchard
• Unmatched orchard insights
• Ability to detect and size fruit
• Tools for analyzing and viewing data
• Support for precision thinning and crop load management
• Improved fruit quality and yield

Founding Team

While specific information about the founding team is not provided in the given material, it’s mentioned that the company was spun out of Cornell University, suggesting an academic background for at least some of the founders.

Problem and Market Fit

Orchard Robotics is addressing a significant problem in the fruit farming industry. Despite the $35 billion annual production value of U.S. orchards, farmers are losing 30-50% of their potential crop due to a lack of precise data needed for effective crop management. This represents a substantial market opportunity and demonstrates a clear need for the company’s technology.

The company’s solution fits well into this market by providing:

1. For Growers:
   • A strategic edge in crop load management
   • Optimization of fruit size and quality with precision
   • Tools to meet and exceed yield targets
2. For Packhouses & Marketers:
   • Accurate early-season yield and size estimates
   • Efficient planning and reliable forecasting
   • Improved contract management

By addressing both growers and downstream players in the supply chain, Orchard Robotics is positioning itself as a comprehensive solution provider in the fruit farming industry.

Business Model

While the specific details of their business model are not fully disclosed, several aspects can be inferred:

1. Service-based Model: The company offers its technology as a service, priced by the acre.

2. Flexible Usage: Customers can scan their orchards as frequently as needed, suggesting a potential subscription or pay-per-use model.

3. Hardware and Software Integration: The company provides both hardware (advanced camera systems) and software (AI and computer vision), indicating a potential for both product sales and ongoing service fees.

4. Target Customers: The company serves various stakeholders in the fruit industry, including growers, packhouses, and marketers, potentially allowing for multiple revenue streams.

Funding and Runway

Orchard Robotics is described as a seed-stage startup, indicating it’s in the early stages of funding. The company has received backing from several notable investors, including:

• General Catalyst
• Contrary
• Soma Capital
• Humba Ventures
• Angel investors, including Howard Lerman (founder of Yext)

The exact amount of funding raised and the company’s runway are not disclosed in the provided information.

Competitive Landscape

While specific competitors are not mentioned, the company operates in the precision agriculture technology sector. This is a growing field with various players offering different solutions for crop management and yield optimization. Orchard Robotics seems to differentiate itself through its focus on fruit orchards and its comprehensive approach, combining advanced hardware with AI-driven software.

Customers

The company’s technology is used by various stakeholders in the fruit industry:

1. Growers: Fruit farmers using the technology for precision crop management.
2. Packhouses: Using the data for planning and forecasting.
3. Marketers: Leveraging the insights for improved contract management and supply chain optimization.

While specific customer names are not provided, the company mentions that its technology is used by growers, packers, and marketers “all across the nation.”

Relevant News

As of August 2024, Orchard Robotics announced that it is open to new orchards for the 2024 season, with its technology commercially available for all orchards across the nation. This suggests a significant expansion of their services and market reach.

The company is also actively hiring for various positions, including field operations technicians in different locations across Washington state, as well as engineering roles in embedded systems, machine learning, and computer vision. This hiring push indicates growth and expansion of the company’s operations and technological capabilities.