Tevel Aerobotics Technologies

Based in Israel, Tevel Aerobotics offers an on-demand drone-based autonomous solution for fruit harvesting. The company’s solution, the Flying Autonomous Robot (FAR), is fitted with a mechanical arm with integrated cameras that use AI and machine learning (ML) to detect and harvest fruits such as apples, oranges, and avocados with precision. Its flying robot can also be used for trimming, thinning, and pruning. 

Tevel deploys a fleet of its robots that are tethered to a centralized power source, which works together simultaneously during a harvesting session for up to 24 hours. The company claims that its flying robots can pick 90% of the fruit from all trees with thick or thin foliage and increase yield by allowing farmers to grow trees 20% taller as the robots are able to reach those heights. Tevel claims a return on investment in 3 weeks. The company’s flying robots have six degrees of freedom (can move horizontally, vertically, laterally and roll along its axis) while conventional drones have 3 degrees of freedom. The drones can also be monitored remotely via its mobile-based app using GPS. The company also offers supplementary software that provides drone management and harvesting statistics. 

As of February 2022, Tevel has completed product development for its robots and is looking to commercialize. The company reported plans to conduct pilot projects in 100+ hectare farms in the US, Spain, and Italy.

In January 2021, Tevel Aerobotics raised USD 20 million in Series A funding led by Kubota and Forbon, a Chinese agricultural equipment manufacturer. The funds were expected to support in completing product validation, commencing production, and launching its service commercially.