Platform picking white nectarines
Water sensor snapshot
Platform picking
he said. “How do we improve that work environment for the person that is actually doing the work? If we can build convenience into their working environment where they can improve their throughput, that’s a win for everyone.” And while automation will reveal new ag industry jobs over time, it also helps those workers who are employed today. Skilled labor done more efficiently means more money for the farmworker, Rotticci
said. “You get into the compensation side, where it’s either piece rate driven or a tiered bonus system,” he said. “I have safety bonuses weekly for the general labor we have. We have attendance bonuses… we’re shifting skill sets into a higher tier for higher returns.” So, as it turns out, when it comes to robots in the ag space, the most accurate science fiction tale is actually “The Jetsons.” No, automated harvesters won’t
be wearing maid uniforms and carrying feather dusters like Rosey the Robot. But they will make sure that farm employees have a safer, more efficient, less physically rigorous way to do their jobs, all with the potential for greater career development. “To continue to do what we love, we have to evolve and adapt and welcome a few robots into our industry,” Ketelsen said.
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