Kubota announced this week that is has invested in a California-based startup called Abundant Robotics, developing automated apple-picking robots.

Through this investment the Japanese manufacturer says they intend to contribute to labour-saving and efficiency improvement in farming in the U.S. and other countries.

This latest development follows on from Kubota launching last year what they call their 'Innovation Center' as a division to enhance cooperation with external partners.

They say they are currently pursuing negotiations for collaboration with startups, which commenced in August 2019 when they invested in a company called Advanced Farm Technologies, Inc who are developing robotic strawberry picking technology.