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Egyptian DeepTech startup Egrobots has unveiled what it says is the first fully autonomous agricultural harvesting robot to be developed in Egypt and the Arab world. The robot marks a turning point for AgTech innovation across the region, and demonstrates the ability of African and Arab tech startups to compete at the frontier of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
Developed entirely by Egyptian engineers, the robot brings a fundamental shift in agricultural automation and smart farming. It is built on advanced computer vision, AI, and autonomous navigation systems and the machine can identify ripe crops, determine the most efficient routes across a farm, and carry out harvesting tasks with high precision and minimal human involvement.
The autonomous harvesting robot features a flexible and scalable design that can be equipped with up to four robotic arms working simultaneously, enabling it to achieve a productivity rate of approximately 160 kilograms per hour. It is also built to operate continuously around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A crucial factor to address the persistent challenges of seasonal labour shortages and the rising operational costs.
Egrobots was founded in 2023 by Akhlad Alabhar, Hanan Sabry, and Ahmed Thabet. Alabhar, who previously served as an AI Team Lead at Alinma Bank in Saudi Arabia, serves as co-founder and CEO of the company.
“This launch is a significant move toward a future where intelligent systems become a core part of the region’s agricultural infrastructure,” said Akhlad Alabhar.
He added that the company’s goal is to advance digital transformation and promote sustainability by deploying robotics to increase agricultural output across Egypt and the Middle East, while proving that local talent can produce globally competitive solutions.
The autonomous harvesting robot from Egrobots arrives at a time of accelerating global momentum toward autonomous agriculture, which relies on real-time data analysis and instantaneous decision-making to increase production efficiency, cut waste, and improve overall operational quality. The project is also broadly viewed as a new benchmark for the capability of Egyptian startups to move beyond simply adopting AI, and design comprehensive DeepTech solutions.
As a graduate of the Google for Startups programme and a member of the NVIDIA Inception programme, Egrobots has already deployed real-world solutions, including a traffic robot developed in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. The company is also developing advanced humanoid robotics and manufacturing sector solutions, allowing it to compete with global players.
