Robot technology to help build orchard efficiencies and climate resilience
Pomewest is proud to support the Narrow Orchard Systems project, which will showcase a revolutionary autonomous orchard spray unit at an upcoming Manjimup field day. This event is part of a national project exploring how multi-leader 2D narrow orchard systems can enhance climate and business resilience.
Project lead the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is examining how the autonomous sprayer – the first of its kind to be used in Western Australia – can benefit growers across the country. The initiative is part of the five year Narrow Orchard Systems for Future Climates Hort Innovation Frontiers project with other states, universities and industry, including Pomewest and local ag-tech businesses Tobias Industries.
DPIRD research scientist Dr Asad Ullah (left) and Fruit and Perennial Crops Program Lead Dr Dario Stefanelli are examining the use of autonomous technologies to improve orchard efficiencies and resilience.
“The compact spray unit enhances labour efficiency, reduces waste, and improves on-farm safety. This diesel autonomous unit utilises GPS maps for guided travel from the shed to the orchard and along the rows, operating without a driver or remote control.”
The technology can also pull conventional farm machinery, like mowers, and monitoring equipment, such as LiDAR technology or cameras, to perform several tasks simultaneously.
The autonomous sprayer will treat trees at DPIRD’s Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute over five years, including those in the Australian National Apple Breeding Program. Trees producing Bravo apples and two advanced selections were grafted onto dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks, planted in Sep 2024 across 0.3 hectares of multi-leader rows. Research findings will support national projects for apple, pear, cherry, apricot, plum, and nectarine orchards across Australia to enhance efficiencies and climate resilience. Dr. Ullah stated that the work will help growers understand the new technology's performance and potential business benefits. He noted that modern production systems, like narrow row orchards with multi-leader designs, and new technologies will enable growers to adapt to warmer climates. Robotic equipment, such as the autonomous spray unit, improves orchard management by reducing costs, enhancing safety, refining treatments, and minimizing waste. The first two years will focus on orchard establishment before evaluating yield, quality, and climate resilience in the third year.
The Narrow Orchard Systems for Future Climates field day, featuring the autonomous sprayer robot, will be held on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at DPIRD’s Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute. Register for catering purposes to asad.ullah@dpird.wa.gov.au.
For more information about the national project visit hin.com.au and search for ‘narrow orchard systems’. For more information please see the attached DPIRD media release: Robot technology to help build orchard efficiencies and climate resilience
“Fungicide and pesticide precision dosage control from the 1000 litre tank can be tailored to orchard requirements, preventing spray drift and overuse. Importantly, the machine is only 1.73 metres wide so it can fit between the 2.5 metre row spacings, aiding the adoption of narrow orchard systems.”
Register for catering purposes to asad.ullah@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Narrow Orchard Systems for Future Climates project is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers, with co-investment from Agriculture Victoria, NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA, Pomewest - subcommittee of Agricultural Produce Commission, University of Queensland, Tobias Industries, and contributions from the Australian Government.