Vision Robotics was formed in 1999 with the goal to develop autonomous robotic solutions that focused on vision-based mapping. With strategic partners, the team began work in earnest on consumer applications that have enabled the company to create a uniquely robust and cost effective approach to robotics. It entered the agricultural market in 2004 with a feasibility study for harvesting oranges. While waiting for picking hand technology to catch up with the machine vision, the initial concept transformed into a deployable crop load estimation system for tree fruit. VRC is also in development of an intelligent autonomous grapevine pruner.

In 2011, VRC was approached by lettuce growers to develop a lettuce thinner. Using our large technology base, we developed a system in a few months. Our thinners offer the best performance in the industry and have evolved with the needs of the operators. The fifth generation design can operate in fields where the line spacing is less than 7.5" and uses the latest Neural Net AI that identifies the crops and weeds. Our plant database is continuously growing and currently includes various lettuce varieties as well and several kale varieties, chard and collards. This improved system system also detects weeds enabling excellent performance in all conditions.

In addition to the lettuce thinners, VRC has produced customized intelligent, spot-spraying weeders. It is straightforward to adapt the same systems for new crops and configurations. The company has also introduced its patented mechanical, inline weeder cultivator. The electric motor design provides highly customizable contours for the best available cultivation coverage. The company is looking for strategic partners for its precision grapevine pruner

Pruning Overview 2014 3 Video