Our country's Kiwifruit pickers may soon have a robotic friend to help them out.

Waikato University engineers have developed an e-bin which rolls alongside workers.

They can drop the fruit into the bin, where it will be safely caught and stored in a net, instead of having to lug heavy bags on their backs.

Waikato University Engineering Lecturer Nick Pickering says it will make the job more accessible.

He says it shows the utility of robots in the workforce.

Pickering says it shows we don't have to fully automate jobs away.

LISTEN ABOVE

Our country's Kiwifruit pickers may soon have a robotic friend to help them out.
Waikato University engineers have developed an e-bin which rolls alongside workers.
They can drop the fruit into the bin, where it will be safely caught and stored in a net, instead of having to lug heavy bags on their backs.
Waikato University Engineering Lecturer Nick Pickering says it will make the job more accessible.
He says it shows the utility of robots in the workforce.
Pickering says it shows we don't have to fully automate jobs away.
LISTEN ABOVE

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. 

Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.