In Malaysia, the palm oil industry faced a severe labor shortage during the pandemic, leading to plummeting production and record-high prices. To combat this, companies like SD Guthrie are investing heavily in developing robots to take over key tasks previously done by foreign workers.
SD Guthrie plans to invest around $21.2 million in robotics by the end of the year, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor. With the use of robots, tasks such as spraying pesticide and monitoring yields can be automated, allowing one worker to manage larger areas of land.
While robots still require skilled operators and struggle with certain tasks like harvesting fruit from tall trees, they have opened up opportunities for women to join the industry. The move towards automation not only addresses labor shortages but also aims to improve worker conditions and reduce the industry’s reliance on foreign labor.
As Malaysia shifts towards automation in its palm oil plantations, companies like SD Guthrie are leading the way in revolutionizing the industry and setting a new standard for sustainability and efficiency.