In a significant move that could reshape the future of vertical farming, U.S.-based Oishii has acquired the key intellectual property, assets, and engineering team of Tortuga AgTech. This acquisition brings together two innovative forces in the agritech industry, promising to accelerate the development of automated farming solutions.
Tortuga AgTech, a Colorado startup, gained recognition for its advanced robotic harvest systems, particularly for strawberries and berries. Their robots are not just about picking; they also collect plant data, perform trimming, and even apply UV-C treatment. Tortuga’s prowess was underscored in 2024 when they clinched the Ag Robot of the Year Award from Future Farming, a testament to their cutting-edge technology and innovative approach.
For Oishii, known for its high-end strawberries and tomatoes, this acquisition is a strategic boost. Oishii’s Amatelas Farm already employs around 50 robots for ripeness detection and environmental data collection. The integration of Tortuga’s technology is expected to enhance these capabilities significantly. Oishii anticipates a reduction in harvest costs by up to 50%, a substantial saving that could make their premium produce more accessible and profitable.
The full engineering team from Tortuga has joined forces with Oishii, working together to seamlessly integrate Tortuga’s AI-driven robotics software and custom hardware into Oishii’s existing infrastructure. While the immediate focus is on vertical strawberry farming, the potential for future developments in automated crop handling is immense. Although specific details about these future plans remain undisclosed, the synergy between the two teams suggests a bright future for automated farming.
Eric Adamson, co-founder of Tortuga, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “Tortuga supercharges the strong engineering foundation Oishii has already built. It’s a promising future for the technology and for our shared vision of automated farming.” This collaboration is not just about technology; it’s about a shared vision of revolutionizing agriculture through automation and innovation.
The implications of this acquisition are far-reaching. As the demand for premium, sustainably-grown produce continues to rise, automated farming solutions like those developed by Oishii and Tortuga could become the norm. This acquisition could set a precedent for other agritech companies, encouraging further innovation and collaboration in the sector. Moreover, it highlights the growing importance of robotics and AI in agriculture, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future for farming.