Petitti Family Farms announced the deployment of 10 Burro autonomous robots at its Ridge Manor facility, with an additional 15 units secured for deployment by year-end, bringing the total fleet to 25 robots. This investment in robotics marks a step forward in modernizing operations, lowering costs and improving efficiency across the company’s nursery operations.
Looking ahead, Petitti Family Farms plans to expand the use of Burro technology to its Cass Mill Farm in 2026, advancing its automation strategy.
Burro Robot highlights:
- Payload capacity: Up to 500 pounds on flat terrain.
- Towing capability: Burro Grande models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Range and power: 2.56 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries support up to 10 miles per charge.
- Speed: Travels at 5–5.8 mph, depending on terrain.
- Durability: Built for nursery environments; IP65-rated with rugged tires, safety lighting, bumpers and audible alerts.
- Fleet intelligence: Equipped with AI, vision systems and high-precision GPS. Burros learn routes, share data across the fleet and are monitored via an online dashboard for real-time control and updates.
Use cases at Ridge Manor (2025 Season)
Since their deployment earlier this year, Burro robots have been integrated into daily operations at Ridge Manor, where they are being used to:
- Assist with spacing — Transporting plants efficiently during spacing operations, decreasing the labor required to move heavy containers across fields.
- Support potting lines — Moving newly potted plants from production lines to growing areas, keeping workflow continuous and reducing downtime.
- Pull for shipping — Assisting crews in retrieving plants for orders, shortening turnaround time and reducing reliance on tractors and carts.
These applications have already generated labor savings, fuel reductions and lower equipment maintenance costs.
“Deploying Burro robots at Ridge Manor has been game-changing. They’re already supporting spacing, potting and shipping — helping us save labor, reduce costs and move materials more efficiently,” said Joe Allio, president, Petitti Family Farms.
Why Burro matters for Petitti Family Farms
- Labor savings — Autonomous hauling reduces the physical burden on staff and frees labor for higher- value production tasks.
- Lower operating costs — Burros cut fuel use, reduce wear on tractors and carts and minimize maintenance costs.
- Operational efficiency — Streamlined transport improves workflow during spacing, potting and shipping operations.
- Future-ready — Expanding to a fleet of 25 units today, with plans for Cass Mill in 2026, sets the stage for broader automation across the enterprise.
“Our long-term vision is to modernize every part of our nursery operations. Expanding Burro to Cass Mill in 2026 will be another step in ensuring Petitti Family Farms stays ahead in efficiency and innovation,” said Angelo Petitti, chairman, Petitti Family Farms.
Petitti Family Farms is advancing the future of the horticulture sector by partnering with Burro and AdeptAg. This alliance positions its organizations as early adopters and pioneering industry standards for next-generation automation. By integrating this technology, the company is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and driving long-term sustainability across the industry.
“Our 20-plus year partnership with the Petitti Family Farms is one we deeply value. Angelo and Joe’s vision and belief in nursery automation continue to drive the industry forward,” said Rob Draga, regional sales manager, AdeptAg.
“Our vision for the future of horticulture isn’t elaborate, complex, fancy technology. It’s tech that’s easy for anyone to use; tech that gets dirty doing real work. It’s freeing team members from repetitive, tedious work and giving them a path for upward mobility in their careers. Tractor drivers, plant trimmers and material movers can be horticulturists, plant health specialists and operations managers. Without question, the future is now at Petitti,” said Ryan Clifford, senior vice president, Burro.
