Located in Japan, Inaho has quickly positioned itself at the forefront of agricultural technology. The startup focuses on creating robots equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that can identify and harvest ripe crops with precision.

Their innovations are a response to critical challenges in the agriculture industry, such as labor shortages and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. By integrating AI and robotics into everyday farming operations, Inaho aims to reduce the reliance on human labor, increase yield, and minimize the environmental impact of farming​ (inaho Inc.).

The Green Thumbs Behind the Bots

Yutaka Hishiki and Sohya Ohyama co-founded Inaho Inc. in 2017. Their combined expertise and vision for a sustainable agricultural future drove them to start the company. Yutaka brings a deep understanding of technology and business, while Sohya adds robust operational insights.

The idea for Inaho was born out of a need to address persistent issues in agriculture, such as labor shortages and inefficiencies in traditional farming methods. Inspired by these challenges, the founders envisioned a solution that could harness the power of robotics and AI to transform the industry​​.

Robots in the Fields

They develop automated robots designed to assist in the harvesting of crops. These robots are equipped with advanced AI to detect ripe fruits and vegetables, optimizing the harvest process. The company’s mission centers on making agriculture more sustainable. By introducing robotic solutions, they aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional farming and improve efficiency​​. Inaho offers robots for different types of crops, including asparagus and tomatoes. Their latest models are capable of operating autonomously for up to 14 hours on a single charge, significantly enhancing productivity​.

A Tech Harvest

Their lineup includes specialized robots for different crops, primarily focusing on asparagus and tomatoes. Each robot is designed with specific features to enhance harvesting efficiency.

Tomato Harvesting Robot: Cutting-Edge Features

• AI Integration: Utilizes AI to identify ripe tomatoes by color and size.
  
• Long Battery Life: Operates up to 14 hours on a single charge, ensuring prolonged field work​​.
  
• Night Operation: Equipped to work in both day and night conditions.
  
• Cluster Harvesting Technology: Newly introduced in 2023, this technology allows harvesting multiple tomatoes at once, significantly speeding up the process and reducing costs​​.

Asparagus Harvesting Robot

• AI-Equipped: Detects the optimal harvest time for asparagus, ensuring peak freshness.
  
• Autonomous Functionality: Can navigate through rows independently, minimizing the need for human supervision.

Supporting Technologies

• AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): These are used alongside the robots to transport harvested produce efficiently.
  
• Electric Trolleys: Facilitate easy movement of harvested goods across the farm​.

The Tech Behind Inaho

They integrate advanced artificial intelligence to enable their robots to detect and analyze the ripeness and quality of crops. This technology ensures only ripe produce is harvested. The robots are equipped with sensors and navigation systems that allow them to move independently through farm rows, avoiding obstacles and assessing crop status in real-time.

Designed for long operational hours, Inaho’s robots are built with energy-efficient technologies that support sustainable farming practices. The robots can work continuously for up to 14 hours on a single charge​. A significant breakthrough in tomato harvesting is Inaho’s cluster harvesting technology, introduced in 2023. This method allows robots to pick multiple tomatoes at once, dramatically increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs​.

Compliance in the Field

Inaho ensures that all its robotic products meet international safety and operational standards. This commitment helps maintain high-quality and reliable performance. Safety sensors and compliance with robotic operational standards are integral to Inaho’s design philosophy. These features prevent accidents and ensure safe interaction with human workers.

Inaho’s technology is developed with an emphasis on sustainability. The robots are designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of farming operations. The company routinely updates its systems to align with new regulations and technological advancements, ensuring ongoing compliance and efficiency improvements.

Investing in the Seeds of Change

Inaho has attracted significant investment from venture capital firms interested in cutting-edge agritech solutions. These funds support ongoing research and product development. They’ve raised a notable $4.79 million in funding over time. Noteworthy backers include Cygames Capital, Sagin Capital & Consulting, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East, Dogan Beta, and ITOCHU Technology Ventures. (Inaho Company Profile | Pitchbook)

Cultivating Success: Business Roots and Growth Rings

Inaho employs a Robot As A Service (RaaS) model, allowing farmers to use advanced robots without a large initial investment. This approach is becoming increasingly popular in agritech.

• Inaho’s robots have been adopted by multiple farms across Japan and are expanding globally.
  
• The company has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award in the 9th ROBOT AWARD​.

The RaaS model not only makes it easier for farmers to access technology but also ensures continuous support and upgrades, which are critical for high-tech farming solutions.

Partnerships That Bear Fruit

Inaho actively partners with agricultural and technology firms worldwide. These collaborations enhance the development and deployment of their robotic solutions. Significant partnerships include collaborations with Dutch tomato growers such as Kwekerij Duijvestijn and TVA growers. These alliances help test and refine the robots in real-world settings​. (Kwekerij Duijvestijn)

Inaho works closely with universities and research institutions to push the boundaries of what’s possible in agritech. These partnerships also support ongoing innovation and technology transfer. Inaho seeks to create a broad network including farmers, researchers, and investors. This community supports a shared goal of making agriculture more sustainable and efficient​​​.

A Robotics Powered Future

Inaho Inc. has emerged as a leader in agricultural robotics, driven by a mission to make farming more sustainable and efficient. Since its founding in 2017, Inaho has not only introduced innovative technologies but also shaped the way farms operate globally.

With each robotic solution, Inaho brings us closer to a future where technology and nature work in harmony. Their robots reduce labor needs, increase efficiency, and help preserve the environment. These advances signal a promising shift towards high-tech, sustainable farming practices. As Inaho continues to grow and innovate, one wonders how much further they can push the boundaries of agritech. Could their next innovation revolutionize an entirely different aspect of agriculture? 

For further insights into the future of farming, explore our article on Vertical Future, which delves into the transformative impact of vertical farming. Discover FarmAgain‘s pioneering approaches that integrate advanced technology with traditional farming to boost productivity. Learn about SAPER, a company making strides in smart agriculture through cutting-edge sensors and predictive analytics. Dive into AgriVijay‘s innovative solutions for renewable energy use in farming, enhancing sustainability and reducing costs.