Small Robot Co (SRC), a British agritech start-up focused on sustainable farming, has announced the successful completion of its Smart Farms collaboration with Strathclyde University (UoS), Agri-EPI, and Chinese Partners (CP). This collaboration has resulted in the development of a prototype for robotic microspraying for pests and diseases, integrated with SRC’s commercial Tomv4 robot. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Small Robot Co and showcases their commitment to advancing agricultural technology.
The two-year Innovate UK project, which began in June 2021, aimed to create a robotic system capable of monitoring, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases in maize and wheat crops. The design of the sprayers and algorithms for pest detection were led by Strathclyde University, while Small Robot Co provided the robotic hardware and integrated the algorithms into its Wilma AI system. Agri-EPI’s expertise played a crucial role in the analysis, development, and optimization of data collection.
With the completion of the sprayer boom design expected this year, the robotic platform is now ready for commercial field trials. The project’s funding from Innovate UK has not only supported the development of this innovative technology but also deepened insights into wheat and maize-related pests and diseases. The precision offered by this robotic system has the potential to yield significant environmental and commercial advantages.
Furthermore, this collaboration has opened up opportunities for expansion into Chinese and Asian markets, contributing to global innovation and market growth. Agri-EPI’s Head of Agri-Tech (Crops), Claire Hodge, and Content & Communications Executive, Tatiana Boyle, recently visited China to meet with the project’s Chinese partners. During their visit, they held workshops and meetings to discuss further collaboration and development of the smart robotic system for use on farms.
Ben Scott-Robinson, CEO of Small Robot Co, expressed his excitement about the potential impact of microspraying on the industry. He highlighted the increasing pressure from regulators and the need for more precise spot treatment options that can reduce costs and minimize the impact on biodiversity. This technology milestone achieved by Small Robot Co demonstrates the versatility and potential of their modular robotic platform, which can now integrate third-party tools for more precise infield action.
Small Robot Co’s mission is to reimagine farming through robotics and AI, making it both financially and environmentally sustainable. By providing field-scale actionable insights at a per plant level, their technology enables the optimization of spray technology, reducing chemicals and waste. This aligns with the global vision of farming that promotes biodiversity and strives for a Net Zero future.
This achievement by Small Robot Co signifies a significant step forward in the advancement of agritech. The successful collaboration with Strathclyde University, Agri-EPI, and Chinese partners has not only resulted in the development of a groundbreaking robotic system but also opened up opportunities for further innovation and market expansion. With the potential to revolutionize farming practices, Small Robot Co’s technology has the power to make a lasting impact on the industry.