Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Agriculture

China achieves ‘97 percent mechanization rate in cotton farming’ through robotics

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In China’s top cotton-growing region, Xinjiang, the path to full mechanization begins with a seed.

Xinjiang, which accounts for more than 90 percent of the country’s cotton output, has surpassed a 97 percent mechanization rate in cotton farming.

This was achieved in large part through the use of robotics, such as the one jointly developed by Xinjiang University and EAVision Robotic Technologies (EAVision). [Read more…] about China achieves ‘97 percent mechanization rate in cotton farming’ through robotics

GreenBot unveils autonomous system for weeding woody crop areas

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The GreenBot project has taken a key step towards sustainable agriculture with the field deployment of a high-precision autonomous vehicle designed for the smart and localized control of weeds in woody crops such as almond, citrus, and olive trees.

This breakthrough, made possible thanks to a public-private partnership, integrates artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and machine vision to optimize the use of plant protection products, reduce costs, and mitigate the environmental impact of intensive farming. [Read more…] about GreenBot unveils autonomous system for weeding woody crop areas

Exclusive interview: John Deere deepens its automation strategy

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John Deere has been a consistent force in the agricultural automation space, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with connected machines, autonomous tractors, and AI-powered harvesters.

As Robotics and Automation News has recently reported, the company is evolving on multiple fronts – from launching a new generation of combine harvesters with advanced automation features, to unveiling long-term autonomy plans in exclusive interviews with leaders such as Jesse Haecker.

In a follow-up to our recent feature John Deere: Harvesting the future – automation, autonomy, and the investor landscape and our technical deep-dive Deere unveils new combine harvester with expanded advanced automation, we now speak with Mike Moeller, senior group product manager for connectivity, planning and guidance at John Deere. [Read more…] about Exclusive interview: John Deere deepens its automation strategy

The future of saffron: From ancient fields to high-tech indoor farms

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Saffron, often dubbed “red gold”, is the world’s most expensive spice – a testament to its unique flavor, vibrant color, and labor-intensive cultivation.

Historically, this prized spice has been a luxury commodity, with its high price maintained by traditional farming methods and limited supply.

However, a new wave of innovation, driven by high-tech indoor farming and robotics, is poised to revolutionize saffron production, promising to make this elusive spice more accessible and sustainable. [Read more…] about The future of saffron: From ancient fields to high-tech indoor farms

BlueRedGold raises €2.7 million to commercialize indoor saffron production through robotics and automation

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PINC, the venture arm of international food company Paulig, has led a €2.73 million investment round in Swedish AgriTech innovator BlueRedGold, alongside The Food Tech Lab and PolarVentures.

The funding will accelerate the company’s development of the world’s first scalable indoor saffron cultivation system, enabled by advanced robotics and AI.

The investment marks a significant step in Paulig’s ambition to shape the future of food and reinforce its leadership in sustainability, while supporting PINC’s role in backing bold FoodTech solutions with global relevance. [Read more…] about BlueRedGold raises €2.7 million to commercialize indoor saffron production through robotics and automation

Dürr unveils ready-made high-tech vertical farm facility

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The mechanical and industrial plant engineering company Dürr is entering a new industry with its “EcoY turnkey vertical farm” – or ready-made vertical high-tech farm system.

The company is combining its expertise in plant engineering – particularly in the demanding field of ventilation and energy-efficient climate control technology for paint shops – with the know-how of Clean Air Nurseries Agri Global (CAN-Agri), a specialist in innovative farming technologies.

EcoY, a resource-saving turnkey system solution, leverages natural sunlight and utilizes up to 95 percent less water than conventional cultivation methods. The overall concept of the plant, developed using patented technology, is revolutionizing vertical farming. [Read more…] about Dürr unveils ready-made high-tech vertical farm facility

AutoStore technology powers next-generation robotic vertical farm

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Warehouse automation specialist AutoStore and vertical farming company OnePointOne have launched an innovative vertical farming system – supplying Whole Foods with fresh greens grown faster, smarter, and closer to customers.

In a warehouse outside Phoenix, thousands of herbs and vegetables are growing in robot-powered bins, moving smoothly through a towering, Rubik’s cube-like grid. This is Opollo Farm: a fully automated vertical farming system built by AutoStore and OnePointOne.

Robots move crops through a precision-controlled environment, adjusting their position to deliver the perfect balance of water and nutrients. The result? Harvest-ready greens in just 15 days – about half the time of traditional farming – and grown just miles from where they’re consumed. [Read more…] about AutoStore technology powers next-generation robotic vertical farm

John Deere: Harvesting the future – automation, autonomy, and the investor landscape

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Our recent article, Deere unveils new combine harvester with ‘expanded advanced automation’, became one of our most-read pieces in the past few months.

This probably underscores a strong public interest in the intersection between agricultural tradition and cutting-edge technology that is capturing the attention of both farmers and, increasingly, investors.

Deere & Co. (DE), listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), currently trades around $481. As of early May 2025, its market capitalization stands at approximately $130-131 billion. [Read more…] about John Deere: Harvesting the future – automation, autonomy, and the investor landscape

PTx Trimble launches ‘first’ autonomous grain cart solution

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PTx Trimble, formed in 2024 by AGCO and Trimble, has launched “OutRun”, which it describes as “the first commercially available autonomous retrofit grain cart solution on the market”.

The innovation has already been awarded the prestigious Davidson Prize at Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

The award, presented by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), recognizes breakthrough innovations in agricultural engineering that improve efficiency, sustainability and productivity. [Read more…] about PTx Trimble launches ‘first’ autonomous grain cart solution

Vertical farming company 80 Acres acquires three indoor facilities from Kalera

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80 Acres Farms is expanding its footprint with the acquisition of three indoor vertical farms and related IP previously owned by Kalera. The farms are strategically located in Georgia, Texas, and Colorado.

As the demand for fresh, local, pesticide-free produce continues to grow, 80 Acres Farms is leveraging more than a decade of industry learnings by acquiring and revitalizing existing vertical farming facilities.

The company is turning these assets into productive farms through its Infinite Acres technology, proven operational expertise, and commercial relationships. [Read more…] about Vertical farming company 80 Acres acquires three indoor facilities from Kalera