AsianFin -- In a significant step toward addressing chronic labor shortages in its natural rubber industry, China has introduced a mobile rubber-tapping robot, showcasing a major advancement in agricultural automation.

Developed collaboratively by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and Beijing-based tech company Automotive Walking Technology, the self-navigating robot is poised to undergo trials in rubber plantations in Hainan Province during the upcoming tapping season in April.

A demonstration video highlights the robot's capabilities: it approaches a rubber tree, stops with pinpoint accuracy, and extends its robotic arm to make a precise cut on the trunk. Moments after the incision, milky-white latex is seen flowing steadily from the tree, demonstrating the robot's efficiency.

China's natural rubber industry, crucial for tire manufacturing and industrial supplies, has been grappling with a severe labor shortage due to the sector's demanding working conditions, night shifts, and high rates of occupational diseases.

"The rubber-tapping robots were developed to tackle the critical issue of labor shortages, which has been a major challenge for the industry," said Cao Jianhua, deputy director of the CATAS rubber research institute.

The robot features a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm and caterpillar-track mobility, enabling it to navigate complex terrain and perform precise cuts. It utilizes AI-driven technologies, including laser radar and multi-sensor fusion algorithms, to achieve high-precision positioning in dense plantations. Additionally, its visual technology assesses tree bark depth and cutting angles, achieving 80% of manual harvesting efficiency while maintaining comparable latex quality.

Capable of harvesting 100 to 120 trees per hour, the robot is powered by lithium batteries that provide over 8 hours of continuous operation. A standout feature is its 20-second rapid battery swap capability, ensuring uninterrupted workflow in large-scale plantations.