Transforming agriculture with AI-driven robotics to address labor shortages and optimize yields.
Microsoft Japan, Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan), Incubate Fund KK
Agricultural labor shortages are a growing challenge worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries. Many farmers struggle to secure sufficient workforce during peak harvesting periods, leading to crop losses, inefficiencies, and reduced profitability. Labor constraints are especially critical for labor-intensive crops and greenhouse operations, and the lack of nighttime or off-peak labor exacerbates these challenges. These issues limit farmers’ ability to scale production, adopt advanced cultivation techniques, and maintain consistent food supply chains.
AGRSIT offers AI-driven robotics integrated with Microsoft Azure for autonomous harvesting, which automates 20–30% of harvesting tasks. The robots integrate data analytics, growth monitoring, and disease detection to support optimal crop management. By partnering with farmers and local cooperatives, AGRIST co-develops robots tailored to diverse greenhouse environments, enabling seamless integration across Japan.
AGRSIT’s robots empower farmers, including those in regions with limited access to agricultural technology, to increase efficiency and profitability. By reducing manual labor requirements, small-scale and medium-scale farmers can allocate more resources to high-value cultivation practices. The solution leverages widely spread technologies (cloud AI via Microsoft Azure) to make advanced robotics accessible, bridging the gap between traditional farming and digital innovation.
AGRSIT’s solution has a significant operational and agricultural impact, replacing approximately 20% of manual harvesting labor per unit, enabling autonomous night operation to prevent harvest losses, and optimizing yield and profitability across multiple crops. In addition to its practical benefits, AGRIST has received notable recognition, including the 2023 CES Innovation Award for the bell pepper robot, the Grand Award at the World AgriFood Innovation Conference (WAFI 2025), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan) Award, and selection as a J-Startup participant at the Japan Innovation Campus in Silicon Valley.
AGRSIT plans to scale its AI-driven harvesting solutions nationwide in Japan and explore global markets. By leveraging Microsoft partnerships and Silicon Valley feedback, AGRIST aims to refine its AI infrastructure, increase automation coverage beyond 30%, and integrate additional crop varieties. The company is transitioning from development to large-scale commercial deployment while maintaining a strong financial base, ensuring operational continuity and sustainable growth.
