As the sun rises over the sprawling fields of the United States, a quiet revolution is taking place. The agricultural sector, long dependent on human labor for the cultivation and harvesting of crops, is increasingly turning to technology to fill the gaps left by persistent labor shortages. In the forefront of this transformation is Burro, a Pennsylvania-based company whose autonomous robots are becoming a common sight in the rows of specialty crops across the nation.
The adoption of automation in agriculture is not a mere trend but a necessity, as highlighted by a report from Western Growers last year. It revealed that around 70% of U.S. growers of specialty and permanent crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and nursery plants, had integrated some form of automation in 2022. This shift is driven by the expectation of rising labor costs and the pressing need for solutions that can assist with the arduous task of harvesting.
Amidst this backdrop, Burro’s announcement of a $24 million Series B funding round comes as a beacon of progress. Co-led by Catalyst Investors and Translink Capital, with contributions from existing investors like S2G Ventures, Toyota Ventures, F-Prime Capital, and Cibus Capital, the infusion of capital is set to expand Burro’s product line and extend its reach to more areas of agriculture affected by labor shortages.
**Innovation in the Fields**
Burro’s robots are a testament to the company’s innovative approach to tackling the labor crisis. With over 300 harvest assist robots already deployed in the fields, these machines are not designed to replace human workers but to work alongside them, enhancing their efficiency. As workers pick fruits and vegetables, they no longer need to carry heavy loads to the end of the row. Instead, they load their harvest onto a Burro robot that follows them down the rows. When full, the robot autonomously transports the produce to the packing line, streamlining the process and reducing physical strain on the workers.
Charlie Andersen, the CEO of Burro, points out the stark contrast between the mechanization of staple crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans—which use only about 10% of U.S. agricultural labor—and specialty crops that, while accounting for roughly a third of the agricultural revenue, depend on 80% to 90% of the industry’s labor force. Burro’s robots are designed to navigate the labor-intensive sectors of agriculture, where each crop presents its own unique set of challenges.
**From ‘People Scale’ to ‘Pallet Scale’**
The recent funding will enable Burro to launch new products, including the Burro Grande, a larger vehicle capable of carrying up to 1,500 pounds and towing up to 5,000 pounds. This expansion from ‘people scale’ to ‘pallet scale’ operations will open new market segments for the company. The Burro Operating System software, equipped with indoor/outdoor Lidar, allows for precise autonomous movement, making it possible for the robots to safely operate in environments such as nurseries, where they can tow thousands of trailers throughout the day.
The implications of Burro’s technology are far-reaching. By augmenting human labor, Burro not only addresses immediate labor shortages but also enhances overall productivity. Brian Rich, managing partner at Catalyst Investors, praises Burro’s vision for augmenting labor with machines that work safely and reliably outdoors alongside humans, a strategy that has already demonstrated a significant return on investment for farms and nurseries.
**The Future of Farming**
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the role of automation becomes increasingly vital. Burro’s success in securing Series B funding and its plans for expansion reflect a broader trend towards integrating technology into traditional farming practices. With over 300,000 autonomous hours of operation and a presence in over six countries, Burro’s robots are setting a precedent for the future of farming—a future where technology and human labor work hand in hand to feed a growing world.