Deal integrates Advanced Farm’s IP and team into CNH’s automation portfolio to accelerate robotic harvesting and address labor shortages
CNH Industrial has completed the acquisition of assets and intellectual property from Advanced Farm, a Davis, California based startup that developed a robotic apple-picking system.
The deal follows successful field trials during the 2024 harvest season in Washington state, where the technology met or exceeded performance expectations and demonstrated its potential to address labor shortages and boost harvest efficiency.
By integrating Advanced Farm’s robotics into its broader innovation strategy, CNH aims to accelerate the commercialization of automated harvesting solutions and strengthen agricultural resilience.
Advanced Farm Technologies Inc. launched its robotic apple picker with the backing of CNH Industrial, which was an initial investor in the startup.
During the 2024 season, several Washington growers tested the system, validating its ability to pick apples and strawberries with minimal damage and high throughput.
These pilots confirmed that the technology could maintain consistent picking quality under real-world conditions, paving the way for full integration into CNH’s product portfolio.
“The value we see in Advanced Farm’s technology lies in its ability to address labor shortages and enhance the efficiency and resilience of the agricultural industry,” said a CNH spokesperson .
This acquisition aligns with CNH’s long-term commitment to robotics and automation, reinforcing its goal to deliver end-to-end solutions that reduce growers’ reliance on manual labor and improve overall productivity.
Key members of the Advanced Farm technical team will join CNH’s technology and innovation divisions, bringing specialized expertise in robotics, machine vision, and AI.
Their integration is expected to bolster CNH’s internal research and development efforts, enabling faster iteration of harvesting platforms and more seamless integration with CNH’s existing tractor and harvester ecosystems.
Selling the assets and IP to CNH was a difficult decision, but it ensures the continuation of the investment.
Sources indicate that CNH intends not only to continue commercialization of the apple-picking platform but also to expand its application to other high-value crops.
Abbott, a CNH representative, confirmed that the acquired intellectual property will be woven into the company’s existing automation initiatives, and that the majority of Advanced Farm’s R&D personnel will become permanent members of CNH’s engineering teams.
This move is designed to preserve institutional knowledge and accelerate the rollout of future robotic harvesters.
The acquisition underscores a broader industry shift toward mechanization in response to persistent labor shortages, rising wage costs and the need for more sustainable farming practices.
By leveraging Advanced Farm’s robotics, CNH seeks to offer growers turnkey solutions that combine autonomous vehicles, smart attachments and real-time data analytics.
These integrated systems aim to reduce post-harvest losses, optimize pick timing and improve traceability from orchard to market.
With this transaction, CNH Industrial reinforces its position as a leader in agricultural automation.
The company’s strategy of investing in and integrating specialist startups reflects a recognition that no single manufacturer can master all facets of agtech in isolation.
By bringing Advanced Farm’s technology in-house, CNH can ensure tighter quality control, faster feedback loops and a more coordinated product roadmap, ultimately benefiting growers through improved reliability and support.
