PM Anwar Highlights Braintree's Role in Sime Darby Plantation's Automation Journey
Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim has spotlighted Braintree Technologies as a homegrown startup contributing to the transformation of Malaysia's plantation industry through robotics and automation.
During a visit to Sime Darby Plantation's (SDP) operations, the Prime Minister highlighted Braintree Technologies as a local startup company partnered with SDP, noting that Braintree assists the plantation giant in developing an autonomous fertiliser sprayer to ensure the fertilisation process is done efficiently and accurately.
The PM also expressed his hope that government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) in the plantation sector will mobilise energy and funds and share ideas with startup companies — positioning Braintree as an example of the kind of collaboration he envisions between established industry players and innovative local technology firms.
Braintree's autonomous fertiliser application robot is designed specifically for oil palm plantations. Equipped with LIDAR, GPS, and AI-based vision, it precisely detects trees and applies fertiliser only where it is needed — reducing waste and maximising yield. This technology is part of SDP's broader mechanisation and automation strategy, which includes unmanned ground vehicles, drones, robotic arms, and detection systems across its plantations.
Sime Darby Plantation operates a dedicated Mechanisation Transformation Unit (MTU) and Robotics Centre at its R&D complex on Carey Island, where cutting-edge automation and robotics technology is designed, built, and rigorously tested. Braintree is proud to be part of this automation journey.
The Prime Minister's recognition underscores the growing importance of local technology companies in driving Malaysia's agricultural modernisation and reducing the industry's dependence on foreign labour — a national priority that aligns closely with Braintree's mission to advance precision agriculture through robotics and AI.