Automating Plantations

Mechanisation, Automation and Digitalisation (MAD)

Through MAD, we are enabling the optimisation of our operations. We are finding the right balance between value-adding human capital and operational needs, ensuring the optimised use of human labour to achieve target productivity.

We are motivated to lead the transformation of the plantation operations landscape through the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, advanced machinery, and an upskilled workforce.

Click HERE to read more about our announcement on this broadscale initiative.

Look at some of the latest machines that we have developed:

Mechanical Buffalo with Scissor Lift (MBSL)

This machine evacuates Fresh Fruit Bunches directly into a 10 metric tonne bin. Tested and evaluated by the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) to ensure the safety of on-ground operators, the MBSL can carry at least 600 kg whilst moving steadily, without overturning on different surface conditions and topographies!

The highly efficient MBSL covers 18 hectares a day.

The Immature Herbicide Sprayer (ImHS)

Circle spraying in immature areas which covers 15 hectares/day, reducing labour needs by five workers daily and achieving estimated cost savings of 38% and labour reductions of 67%.

Mechanical Buffalo with Grabber (MBG)

The MBG comes with a grabber arm to carry out the Ground-to-Bin evacuation of heavy fresh fruit bunches (FFB).

The highly efficient MBG eliminates the need for an operator to get off the machine to collect the FFB and it directly transfers FFB into our 10 metric tonne bins instead of smaller multiple bins.

The machine covers up to 20 hectares/day.

The Azman Sri Pulai (ASP) Herbicide Strip Sprayer

An in-house machine, developed by our own team, is designed for mature oil palm areas, particularly on terraces with slopes of less than 15 degrees. It covers 8 to 9 hectares/day - compared to just 3 hectares/day manually - lowering costs by 63%.

The machine covers up to 20 hectares/day.

The Hasrul Fertiliser Lift (HFL) & Mechanised Terrace Fertiliser Applicator (MTFA)

The HFL and MTFA are used for fertiliser application in mature areas, including flat, undulating, and terraced terrain.

Each machine covers 8 hectares/day—reducing manpower needs by four workers daily.

The ST101 GEO Strip Sprayer

Enabling strip spraying in mature areas and reducing labour needs by a 1:5 ratio; currently, 71 units have been deployed.

Drone Technology

When first introduced to the world, drones were toys for the big boys who loved photography. Today, these little flying machines have also been developed for precision agriculture applications.

Also known as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), our drones are equipped with high-tech cameras. They make it easier for our workers to conduct mapping, imaging and data collection of our plantations to manage our palms.

Some of our drones are equipped with sprayers that allow our workers to replace the labour-intensive pesticide spraying activities with higher precision over a larger land parcel at lower costs.

We have collaborated with several drone manufacturers to research the use of UAV Point-to-Point (UAV PTP) Sprayers for precision spot spraying to control the Rhinoceros Beetle pest. Based on the success of the research, we have deployed the UAV PTP technology over 2,000 hectares in our estates, reducing our dependence on workers to conduct manual spraying. The UAV PTP has the advantage of flying autonomously and spraying palms on hilly and terraced areas, a task that would be difficult for our workers.

This is just a fraction of the possibilities these machines are capable of. SD Guthrie is actively scouting for better drones and other technology solutions to further reduce our reliance on manual labour. We are collaborating with start-ups and other companies to find answers to oil palm harvesting such as the UAV, Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), robotics and other cutting mechanisms such as laser and mechanised cutters.

The Point-To-Point (P2P) Drone Sprayer

Utilises AI for precise crown tracking in pesticide application, achieving 70% labour reduction and covering 8 hectares/day.

The Nursery Drone Pest and Disease (P&D) Sprayer

88% labour reduction for Pest & Disease operations at nurseries.

Automating Plantations (R&D)

Focused on MAD in plantation operations with a target to reduce manual labour and increase productivity.

Mechanised Rat Bait Applicator (MeRBA)

MeRBA - A patented solution in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and is the first commercially viable mechanised system tailored for rodent control in oil palm plantations. Compatible with the most commercially available rodenticides, MeRBA can cover up to 30 hectares per day on flat and undulating terrains. It features adjustable shooting speed and power, allowing precise bait placement over distances of 2.5 to 8 meters—effectively controlling rodent populations with minimal manpower.

Autonomous Mechanical Buffalo with Grabber (AMBG)

AMBG - Designed to autonomously evacuate Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) in the field using advanced navigation software and an integrated network system for remote monitoring and control. Equipped with an Auto Grabber, the AMBG can detect, collect, and transport FFBs to designated collection points without manual intervention—enhancing efficiency and reducing dependency on labour.

Autonomous Loose Fruit Robot (ALFRO)

ALFRo - A groundbreaking innovation set to transform the loose fruit collection process. It features a custom-designed robotic arm with 4 degrees of freedom (DOF), driven by harmonic gears for high-precision movement. The built-in AI system detects and counts loose fruits, enabling accurate and repeated collection until the area is clear. Each fruit is collected individually, ensuring minimal trash. With its autonomous capability, ALFRo is ideal for extended operational hours and optimised field performance.