Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS), a leading custom robotics company creating affordable, autonomous robotic solutions to solve labour shortage problems in agriculture, will demonstrate their flagship autonomous custom robot, called BigTop, at Cultivate’19, July 13-16 in Columbus, Ohio. Cultivate’19 is North America’s leading trade show for the horticulture industry.

“We are very excited to demonstrate BigTop at Cultivate and showcase our unique autonomous robot to the leaders of the industry. AIS has an affordable robotic solution to automate labor intensive tasks involved in the moving and spacing of plant pots within nurseries and greenhouses,” says Afshin Doust, CEO of AIS.

The need for labor in the horticulture industry has been steadily climbing, however, the industry is facing a severe labor shortage. Finding workers to perform the repetitive and labor intensive tasks necessary in nurseries and greenhouses in the horticulture industry is extremely challenging, and those workers employed in this work can often experience repetitive stress injuries. AIS’ autonomous robot – with customizable software – provides an affordable solution.

BigTop is currently in operation at one of Canada’s most reputable nursery operations: Van Belle Nurseries. Van Belle grows more than 400 varieties of plants on 100 acres located in Abbotsford, British Columbia. It is one of the largest nurseries growing plants for distribution across North America.

BigTop solves the repetitive and laborious task of moving and spacing pots of different sizes and weights in greenhouses and nurseries. BigTop can move up to nine plant pots at a time and then place the plants securely on its rotating robotic platform base. The autonomous mobile robots’ arms then space the plants in a pre-programmed pattern (square or hex). Using algorithms, BigTop is also able to identify potted plants of various shapes and move them for optimal growth. This ability to identify, lift and move plants to their ideal position provides significant value to the horticultural industry.

BigTop is able to navigate and operate in both indoor and outdoor environments. With an operating battery capacity well beyond a work shift, BigTop increases efficiency and productivity in the horticultural industry.

At Cultivate’19, AIS will be offering demonstrations of their BigTop autonomous robot at the Agrinomix Booth #2047 as well as demonstrating another prototype for the first time: the “pruner” that can trim plants with its “unique arm” that expands BigTop’s features.

ABOUT ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS: 
Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS) is a practical autonomous robotics company that creates affordable, autonomous robots to solve real industry problems. The AIS team has superior intellectual property and patents which are currently being applied to develop custom robotic solutions in the horticulture, agriculture, manufacturing, and warehousing industries. AIS’ autonomous robots have the intelligence to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks with exceptional dexterity and precision. 
Collectively, the AIS team has decades of experience in robotics engineering, management, and operations. The company is based in Burnaby, British Columbia. https://www.ai-systems.ca 

ABOUT AGRINOMIX: 
As a leading supplier to the North American horticulture industry, AgriNomix excels at helping their clients understand the many benefits of process automation while providing high-impact solutions that address equipment needs, production layout and design, and custom engineering expertise. Since 1994, AgriNomix’s expert sales and superior service have enabled them to play a key role in the “industrial revolution” of horticulture. 

ABOUT VAN BELLE NURSERIES: 
Van Belle Nursery was established in 1973, with 10 acres and the dream of growing cold-hardy ornamentals for the Eastern market. Today, they grow over 400 varieties of plants on 100 acres in the beautiful Fraser Valley region of BC, shipping to the finest growers and retailers across North America. They are fueled by their goal to provide a great Van Belle Experience for each customer by delivering the Best Plants, Service and Shipping Experience.