Imagine a robot gliding through a rubber plantation, stopping at each tree, and tapping it with surgeon-like precision, all without a human in sight. This isn’t science fiction it’s China’s latest answer to a growing labour shortage in its rubber industry.

In a pioneering move, Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), in partnership with Beijing’s Automotive Walking Technology, have developed an AI-powered rubber-tapping robot. Set to be trialled this April in Hainan Province, this self-navigating machine is designed to carry out the traditionally laborious task of rubber tapping with impressive efficiency.

Equipped with a robotic arm and advanced navigation systems including laser radar and multi-sensor algorithms, the robot expertly identifies bark depth and ideal cutting angles. The result? A cut so precise matches the quality of manual tapping at 80% of human efficiency.

It can tap 100 to 120 trees an hour and run for over 8 hours on lithium batteries. The robot also features a quick 20-second battery swap to keep it working continuously in large plantations.

China’s rubber industry has long faced workforce challenges due to demanding working conditions and health risks. This robotic innovation hopes to change that, potentially transforming the future of rubber harvesting not only in China but across Southeast Asia.

With growing global interest from tyre manufacturers and rubber producers, this AI-powered solution might just be the lifeline the industry needs. And soon, managing a rubber plantation could be as easy as checking your phone. Welcome to the future of farming!

Caption: This photo taken on March 4, 2025 shows a mobile rubber-tapping robot in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. Developed jointly by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and Beijing-based tech firm Automotive Walking Technology, the self-navigating robot is set to undergo trials in rubber plantations in south China's Hainan Province during the upcoming tapping season in April. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Source: https://www.bernama.com/tv/news.php?id=2405757

Date of Input: 26/03/2025 | Updated: 26/09/2025 | ainzubaidah