KOCHI: Over 100 orders for the 'Sapper' machine developed by the start-up New Design and Innovations have been received. The Thrissur Coconut Producer Company holds 100 units, with five units set to be sent to Malaysia. The machines operating for two months in Thrissur Kuttanallur will begin commercial production in three months. Inquiries from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Australia have been noted.

Sapper, a small robot can be controlled via a mobile app and operates by attaching to coconuts. It runs on a rechargeable battery requiring only one unit of electricity per month for 10 machines. A solar panel option is available ensuring a minimum five years of operation. Priced at Rs 25,000, there is potential for subsidies in India.

The investors, Christo George of Hicon India and expatriate businessman Manoj V Raman have valued the company at around Rs 20 crores. Sapper received the National Startup Award and the Coconut Development Board's Best Machinery Award in 2020.