Japan faces a demographic crisis, as it possesses the oldest population globally, with approximately one-third of its citizens being aged over 65 and one in ten individuals exceeding the age of 80. This alarming demographic shift emerges from an interplay of consistently low fertility rates alongside a remarkably high life expectancy. Such conditions undoubtedly create significant challenges for the nation’s workforce, particularly as the segment of the population categorized as working-age—those between 15 and 64 years—is expected to decline by an estimated 30 million individuals from 2020 to 2070. This reduction poses a threat to various sectors, but agriculture appears to be particularly vulnerable.
Between 2000 and 2023, the number of individuals primarily engaged in farming has seen a dramatic reduction, as reported by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The workforce’s shrinking figure reveals a staggering 50% decrease, indicating that youth involvement in agriculture has noticeably diminished; individuals under 60 comprise only around 20% of the agricultural labor force. With an accelerating aging population, the agricultural sector is now confronted with a substantial labor shortage that necessitates innovative solutions.
In response to the growing demands of the agricultural industry and the pressing labor deficiency, Japanese authorities are broadening their approach to immigration policies while simultaneously working on boosting fertility rates. Moreover, Japan is increasingly investing in robotic technology as a means to alleviate the workforce shortage. One notable example of this approach is the establishment of Kisui Tech in 2021 by Tamir Blum. Initially founded during his student years, Blum’s company harnesses technology derived from space exploration to create an AI-assisted farming robot.
Blum’s invention, affectionately named Adam, is a semi-autonomous robot designed with remarkable capabilities, including transporting harvested produce across challenging terrain and performing duties such as cutting grass and spraying pesticide across fields. Originally from Israel and having first traveled to Japan in 2015, Blum immersed himself in Japanese culture further during his PhD studies, where he investigated lunar rovers and their navigation abilities over rough surfaces. His experiences traversing the Japanese countryside illuminated the considerable difficulties farmers face due to labor shortages, leading to numerous abandoned farms and increasingly aging farming populations.
Kisui Tech’s collaboration with the Agriculture Department at Chiba University, located near Tokyo, is pivotal in developing two distinct models of the Adam robot—one full-size and a mini version. These robots are currently undergoing trials in real-world farming conditions across Japan. The larger variant measures 70 centimeters in height and 188 centimeters in length, aiming to cater primarily to apple and pear farmers. Conversely, the miniaturized version targets vineyards and persimmon orchards, which are often planted in tighter rows due to size constraints.
In addition to the robotic units, Kisui Tech is progressing on an online platform dubbed Newton, which promises to offer farmers real-time insights regarding crop health, pest infestations, and overall farm management. The Adam robot is expected to retail for approximately $20,000 on international marketplaces, signifying a notable investment for farmers seeking technological enhancements.
Interestingly, Blum finds it remarkable how receptive Japanese farmers have been towards incorporating technology into their practices. Contrary to common stereotypes that depict them as resistant to change, the farmers have displayed a willingness to experiment with new advancements, including trials on the Adam robot. Continuous feedback from farmers has been invaluable in evolving Adam’s functionalities. For instance, modifications were made to replace a touchscreen with a panel featuring mechanical buttons for improved usability with gloved hands.
Recently, Kisui Tech executed its first commercial proof of concept, further embracing automation for tasks such as patrolling and data collection at a solar plant for a Japanese energy provider. Furthermore, the company is receiving numerous inquiries from the construction sector, seeking avenues to utilize the Adam robot for various purposes such as surveillance, logistics, and moving heavy items.
In summary, Adam symbolizes a transformative tool in Japan’s agricultural and outdoor workforce landscape, showcasing a compelling synergy between technology and tradition. As Japan navigates through its demographic challenges, innovations like Adam offer hope for revitalizing industries heavily impacted by labor shortages while paving the way for a new era of working dynamics across the nation.