Arjun Ramesh, a 23-year-old mechanical engineering graduate from Thrissur, has built something that could change how coconut farming works across India.
His invention, the Coco Bot, is an AI-powered, remote-controlled robot that can climb coconut trees, identify ripe coconuts using computer vision, and harvest them without human intervention.
Why Coco Bot Matters
- Climbing tall coconut trees is dangerous and labor-intensive
- Skilled tree climbers are in short supply across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal Karnataka
- Farmers often rely on expensive manual labour or delay harvesting due to unavailability
- The Coco Bot solves this by offering a safe, cost-effective, and efficient alternative
What Can It Do?
- Uses AI and sensors to identify ripe coconuts
- Climbs trees of up to 30 feet high using magnetic traction or mechanical grip
- Controlled via mobile app or joystick
- Cuts and drops coconuts safely using robotic cutter arms
- Battery-powered; runs for up to 6 hours per charge
Institutional Interest: NABARD and Parachute Step In
Arjun’s prototype, developed in his college garage, recently grabbed the attention of two major institutions:
- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has offered seed funding and pilot field support under its Rural Innovation Fund
- Marico’s Parachute division is exploring commercial testing and potential integration into their farmer engagement programs
Both organizations have reportedly invited Arjun for demonstrations and feasibility discussions.
A Real Problem, A Real Solution
Farmers like Suresh Nair from Palakkad say they sometimes pay Rs 30–40 per tree to get coconuts harvested—often waiting weeks for skilled workers.
With a Coco Bot, the same task could be done at less than half the cost, and on time.
From Expo to Field
Arjun presented Coco Bot at:
- Kerala Startup Mission’s Agritech Summit
- National Innovation Foundation’s grassroots innovators showcase
- IIT Madras Tech Showcase, where it won second prize in rural automation
His innovation is now being considered for mass manufacturing under Make in India initiatives.
