UK-based agricultural robotics startup Muddy Machines has made a significant move in the agritech landscape by acquiring the majority of key assets and intellectual property from Fox Robotics, another British company specializing in autonomous equipment. This acquisition marks a pivotal step for Muddy Machines, particularly in addressing the ongoing labor shortages that have been affecting global agriculture, with a specific focus on berry crops.
Central to this acquisition is a logistics robot named Squirrel, designed to streamline the transportation of harvested crops. According to Chris Chavasse, founder and CEO of Muddy Machines, Squirrel is engineered to transport trays of harvested fruits from workers to central packing, storage, or transportation locations, as well as deliver empty trays back to farm workers. This innovation aims to alleviate the physically demanding task of transporting goods around the farm, which often detracts from worker productivity. By automating this “low value” task, Muddy Machines not only eases the workload for farm workers but also addresses acute labor shortages that have become increasingly critical in the agricultural sector.
Squirrel operates both outdoors and in polytunnels, utilizing a combination of GPS and visual navigation systems to maneuver through rows of crops. This capability is seen as a game-changer for growers, according to Chavasse, who emphasized the robust platform developed and tested extensively on farms over the last four growing seasons. While the initial focus will be on berry crops, there are indications that Squirrel could be adapted for other types of crops in the future, broadening its applicability in the agricultural landscape.
Muddy Machines is not alone in its mission to automate agricultural processes. The company joins the ranks of US-based firms like Burro and farm-ng, which are also providing automation solutions for harvest assistance. However, the acquisition of Fox Robotics’ logistics robot allows Muddy Machines to offer a more comprehensive suite of robotic tools tailored to the needs of growers, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
In addition to Squirrel, Muddy Machines is making strides with its other robotic platform, Sprout, which focuses on precision agriculture and has been trialed for asparagus harvesting. Chavasse reported significant progress with Sprout, noting successful trials earlier this year that validated its effectiveness and precision. The company is currently refining the technology based on feedback from growers and preparing for full deployment in 2025. By integrating the capabilities of both Sprout and Squirrel, Muddy Machines aims to provide a complete suite of electric robotic solutions that directly address labor challenges in horticulture.
The ongoing labor crisis in agriculture is a pressing issue, exacerbated by rising minimum wages and increased employer National Insurance contributions in the UK. These financial pressures are squeezing profit margins for growers, making it more challenging to sustain traditional farming practices. Chavasse highlighted that by delivering advanced robotic solutions like Sprout and Squirrel, Muddy Machines seeks to alleviate these pressures, providing growers with efficient and cost-effective tools to support farm workers.
To further bolster its initiatives, Muddy Machines is currently conducting a $1.5 million pre-Series A fundraising round to support the Fox Robotics acquisition and upcoming trials with growers throughout 2025. While specific details about future developments remain under wraps, Chavasse hinted at exciting news to come in 2025, including the development of additional tools for precision weeding, planting, and spraying, particularly for high-value vegetables and specialty crops.
As Muddy Machines continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the implications for the agricultural sector are significant. By leveraging robotics to tackle labor shortages and enhance productivity, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the future of farming, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable agricultural industry.