Burro Burro Autonomous Orchard Robot — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Burro |
|---|---|
| Model | Burro Autonomous Orchard Robot |
| Year | 2020 |
| Category | Agricultural |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Connectivity | 4G/LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- Up to 450kg payload capacity
- Computer vision worker-following mode
- Pre-mapped autonomous route navigation
- Electric zero-emission operation
- Orchard and vineyard row terrain capable
- Fleet monitoring via 4G/LTE
- Augments rather than replaces farm workers
What is it?
The Burro autonomous orchard robot is a wheeled agricultural transport platform designed to follow farm workers through orchard and vineyard rows, carrying harvested produce bins and equipment autonomously. It eliminates the manual effort of moving heavy loads through rows — one of the most physically demanding and time-consuming tasks in specialty crop harvesting.
Who is it for?
Orchard, vineyard, and berry farm operators in labour-intensive specialty crop harvesting. Farm labour managers seeking to increase per-worker productivity during harvest by eliminating load transport time. California and West Coast specialty crop producers where harvest labour is both expensive and scarce.
Key specs
- Payload: Up to 450 kg
- Navigation: Computer vision worker-following + GPS route mapping
- Operation modes: Follow-me (worker tracking) and autonomous route
- Power: Electric
- Terrain: Orchard row and vineyard row capable (uneven terrain)
- Connectivity: 4G/LTE for fleet monitoring
- Origin: US
Applications
Apple, citrus, grape, strawberry, and other specialty crop harvesting row transport. Equipment and supply transport through field rows. Post-harvest bin collection routing.
How it compares
Burro competes with manual cart labour and conventional ATV/tractor haulage in orchards. Unlike full harvesting robots (e.g., Tortuga strawberry picker), Burro augments rather than replaces worker tasks — positioning it as a near-term productivity tool deployable without requiring full harvest automation.
Limitations
- Does not perform harvesting — transport only
- Requires relatively clear row access (fallen fruit or debris may affect navigation)
- 450kg payload limits bin stacking depth
- Electric charging logistics required in field-deployed settings
FAQ
How does the Burro robot follow workers?
Burro uses computer vision to identify and track an assigned worker, maintaining a safe following distance through orchard or vineyard rows. The worker walks ahead harvesting; Burro follows carrying the accumulating load without any remote control required.
What is the maximum payload of the Burro?
Burro can carry up to 450kg — sufficient for multiple full harvesting bins of most specialty crops including apples, grapes, and citrus.
Does Burro harvest crops, or just transport them?
Burro is a transport robot only. It carries harvested produce and equipment but does not perform any picking, cutting, or harvesting functions. Workers harvest; Burro carries the load.
What orchards and crops is Burro designed for?
Burro is designed for row-structured specialty crops: apples, citrus, wine and table grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and similar orchards and vineyards where workers move along defined rows during harvest.
Is Burro commercially available?
Yes. Burro has been commercially deployed across farms in California and other specialty crop regions in the US. Contact Burro directly for pricing and availability in your region.