Cornell leads project putting robots to work in US orchards
September 03, 2026
September 03, 2026
ITHACA, New York, Sept. 3 -- Cornell University posted the following news:
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Cornell leads project putting robots to work in US orchards
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Fifteen years ago, labor accounted for about 30% of total costs at the Washington Fruit and Produce Co. Today, it's over 60%.
"Our costs have just been skyrocketing, largely around labor, but everything else as well - meanwhile, apples sell for the same price they did 20 years ago . . .
* * *
Cornell leads project putting robots to work in US orchards
*
Fifteen years ago, labor accounted for about 30% of total costs at the Washington Fruit and Produce Co. Today, it's over 60%.
"Our costs have just been skyrocketing, largely around labor, but everything else as well - meanwhile, apples sell for the same price they did 20 years ago . . .