Verdant Robotics develops autonomous agricultural robots for specialty crop farming. Its platform integrates multi-sensor perception, plant-level detection, and precision micro-dosing actuation to perform targeted weeding, fertilization, and crop treatment within row-based field environments.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
FORT Robotics has announced its merger with Newbury Street II Acquisition Corp., a SPAC, to enhance safety technology for autonomous robots. The company aims to build a trust layer that ensures robots operate safely around humans, addressing a critical need as robots become more autonomous in various environments. The significance of this merger lies in FORT's commitment to pioneering safety standards that can be relied upon by manufacturers, regulators, and users alike. CEO Samuel Reeves emphasized that establishing trust in physical AI is essential for the scalable adoption of next-generation machines, which often face safety concerns that hinder innovation. Looking ahead, FORT Robotics has plans to expand its offerings, including the recently launched Wireless E-Stop Pro and the acquisition of Mapless AI to enhance its Trust Layer. The company serves a diverse customer base across multiple industries, indicating a growing demand for reliable safety solutions in robotics.
Agriculture Construction Controllers Defense / Security Energy / Solar / Renewables LogisticsSami Robotics, located in Varennes, Québec, has successfully transitioned its broccoli harvesting application from prototype to operational status, utilizing a scalable, multi-arm design. The platform employs 12 to 18 robotic arms that work in parallel to identify and harvest mature vegetables, although specific throughput figures are not disclosed due to varying field conditions. The significance of this advancement lies in Sami Robotics' commitment to automating labor-intensive agricultural tasks through advanced robotics, AI, and data analytics. CEO Pascal Labrecque emphasizes the platform's adaptability for multiple crops and agricultural operations, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce labor dependency for growers. Looking ahead, Sami Robotics plans to scale commercial deployments while refining its technology. Romaine lettuce is next in line for development, with iceberg lettuce and cauliflower also generating interest. The company envisions a multifunctional platform that could eventually support various agricultural tasks beyond harvesting, although no additional capabilities are currently in development.
Crop solutions Harvest & storage harvest Harvest robotRecent developments in autonomous fruit implements were showcased at the Fruit Research Centre in Randwijk, Netherlands. The event highlighted how robotics is transforming agricultural practices, making them more efficient and sustainable. Manufacturers demonstrated nearly mature technologies that address various operational challenges in fruit growing. The significance of these advancements lies in their potential to future-proof agricultural businesses. As the industry increasingly adopts automation, these innovations can lead to improved productivity and sustainability in fruit cultivation. The Experience Day served as a practical platform for stakeholders to engage with these technologies and discuss their implications. Looking ahead, the continued evolution of autonomous systems in agriculture will be crucial. Stakeholders should monitor the integration of these technologies into everyday farming practices, as they promise to enhance operational efficiency. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Autonomous/semi-autosteering systemsRecent advancements in autonomous fruit implements were showcased at the Fruit Research Centre in Randwijk, Netherlands. This event highlighted the significant progress made in agricultural robotics, particularly in fruit growing, which is becoming increasingly vital for future-proofing agricultural businesses. The demonstration underscored the importance of robotization in enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. As these technologies mature, they offer practical solutions to various challenges faced by fruit growers, making them more efficient and competitive in the market. Looking ahead, stakeholders in the agricultural sector should monitor the ongoing developments in autonomous farming technologies. The Experience Day served as a platform for addressing questions and concerns, indicating a growing interest in integrating these innovations into everyday farming practices. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
UncategorizedExtreme heat is increasingly impacting agriculture and energy costs across Asia, as seen in the case of a farmer in Ahmedabad, India, who struggles against rising temperatures while tending to her paddy fields. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of food production and energy consumption, with hotter climates leading to damaged crops and increased cooling expenses. The implications of this trend are significant, as it threatens food security and economic stability in the region. As cooling costs rise due to extreme heat, farmers and consumers alike face challenges in maintaining livelihoods and accessing affordable food. The situation underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture and energy. Looking ahead, it is crucial to monitor how these environmental changes will continue to affect food and energy systems in Asia. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but ongoing developments in climate policy and agricultural practices will be essential to watch as the region navigates these challenges.
This week's Video Friday features a collection of engaging robotics videos curated by IEEE Spectrum robotics. Highlights include recaps from the DARPA Lift Challenge, showcasing the excitement and challenges faced during the event. Additionally, various innovative robots are presented, such as STEMbot, which climbs plant stems to detect pests, and Monumental's robots that efficiently laid 20,000 bricks for a new home. The significance of these developments lies in their potential to enhance automation and efficiency across various sectors. The DARPA Lift Challenge emphasizes the importance of resilience in robotics, as teams navigate failures and recoveries. Meanwhile, the introduction of robots like STEMbot and those used in construction reflects the growing integration of robotics in agriculture and building industries, paving the way for future advancements. Looking ahead, the upcoming robotics events, including Actuate 2026 and IROS 2026, will provide platforms for further innovation and collaboration in the field. As robotics technology continues to evolve, stakeholders should monitor these developments and their implications for automation and intelligent systems in various applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Video-friday Darpa Cargo-drones Robotics-videos Physical-ai Robotic-grippersPresident Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported drones and specific drone components following a national security investigation by the Commerce Department. The tariffs, which range from 25% to 100%, are set to take effect on September 3, 2026, for most products, while certain component tariffs will begin on February 9, 2027. The investigation, initiated on July 1, 2025, highlighted concerns over U.S. reliance on foreign unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and components. The significance of these tariffs lies in their potential impact on national security, as the White House emphasized the critical role of drones in military operations, law enforcement, agriculture, and disaster relief. The highest tariffs will apply to drones over 25 kilograms and those equipped with thermal imaging, with a 100% tariff imposed on these products. Smaller drones without thermal imaging will face a 25% tariff, reflecting the administration's strategy to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce foreign dependency. Looking ahead, the tariffs are expected to reshape the U.S. drone market and supply chains, particularly as the proclamation acknowledges that many domestically produced UAS still rely on foreign components. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone News Drone News Feeds Drones in the News Dual Use Feature 1 NewsIsraeli ag robotics startup Nanovel is tackling the complexities of robotic citrus harvesting. Their patented autonomous harvester features robotic arms that can reach deep into citrus trees, using a vacuum gripper to collect fruit while minimizing damage. The system employs computer vision and AI to navigate the canopy and manage a fleet of robots. This innovation is significant as manual labor constitutes about 50% of production costs in citrus farming, particularly in regions sensitive to labor availability. Nanovel's technology aims to reduce these costs, with harvesting expenses estimated at $25-30 per 900-lb field bin compared to $42-43 for manual labor. The ability to schedule harvests reliably without dependence on seasonal workers enhances operational efficiency. Looking ahead, Nanovel plans to conduct trials with leading growers in southern Europe in 2027, followed by pilot deployments in 2028 and commercial rollout in 2029. The company has secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council to support its development efforts.
Agtech Artificial intelligence Deeptech EMEA Precision agriculture Startups & fundingThe article discusses PROMO-Orchard, a new framework designed for dual-robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in orchard environments. This framework enhances the mapping process by integrating semantic information, allowing for more accurate and efficient navigation and mapping by the robots. The significance of PROMO-Orchard lies in its potential to improve agricultural robotics, particularly in precision farming. By enabling dual robots to work collaboratively, the framework can optimize tasks such as crop monitoring and management, which are crucial for increasing productivity and sustainability in orchards. Looking ahead, the adoption of PROMO-Orchard could lead to advancements in agricultural automation. As the framework gains traction, it will be important to monitor its implementation in real-world scenarios and its impact on the efficiency of agricultural operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RESEARCH ARTICLEIndonesia has inaugurated its first university-based AI technology center, the UGM Indosat NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC), in Yogyakarta. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, NVIDIA, and Universitas Gadjah Mada, aims to develop AI solutions tailored to Indonesia's national priorities. The establishment of NVAITC is significant as it aligns with Indonesia's AI Center of Excellence initiative, promoting collaboration among government, industry, and academia. This center will enhance Indonesia's AI capabilities, contributing to economic growth and addressing pressing challenges such as healthcare and agriculture. Looking ahead, NVAITC will focus on three initial projects in healthcare, agriculture, and disaster response, including the development of an AI-powered screening technology for tuberculosis. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Access the definitive 2026 directory of 150+ agricultural robotics companies. A comprehensive reference guide covering autonomous tractors, harvest automation, precision weeding, and AI data platforms across the global agtech ecosystem.
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