As the agricultural world gears up for the World FIRA 2025 event in Toulouse, France, excitement is building around the announcement of the Ag Robot of the Year 2025 (AROTY) award. Scheduled for February 6 at 12:15 PM, this prestigious award will recognize one of the 11 commercially available field and harvest robots added to Future Farming’s buyers’ guide between February 2024 and January 2025. Following Tortuga AgTech’s victory in 2024, the spotlight now shifts to five finalists vying for the title.
The selection process for the AROTY award has been rigorous, with an expert jury consisting of prominent farmers and industry specialists evaluating the candidates based on their practical applicability and added value to farming practices. The finalists were chosen from a pool of manufacturers who submitted their robots on time and met the necessary criteria. Notably, robots added to the catalog prior to World FIRA 2024 were not eligible for this year’s award.
The five finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
**FarmRobo – iMog**: This fully electric autonomous robot is designed for small-scale farming operations, offering both autonomous and manual control options. Its versatility is enhanced by compatibility with various plug-and-play attachments and an integrated Power Take-Off (PTO) system, making it a cost-effective solution for farmers.
**Nature Robots – Lero.03**: Lero.03 features a rectangular frame and two drive units, designed for long-term autonomous use. Equipped with advanced sensors and software, it can map and assess plants in 3D while performing tasks like laser weeding. Its automatic tool change capability allows for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, showcasing its adaptability.
**Odd.Bot – Maverick**: This innovative robot specializes in mechanical in-row weeding solutions for organic crops like carrots, onions, and chicory. Maverick can replace up to 80 percent of manual weeding, significantly reducing labor costs. With a lightweight design and the ability to operate at speeds of up to 600 meters per hour, it presents a practical solution for growers.
**Siza Robotics – Toogo**: Toogo features an adjustable electric variable track, accommodating different planting and bed widths. With a front-mounted camera for precise monitoring of seedlings, it can utilize multiple implements and lift over 1,400 kilograms. This fully electric robot is powered by two batteries with a total capacity of 70 kWh, emphasizing sustainability in its design.
**Traktorarvid – Drever 120**: Drever 120 is a smaller, electric autonomous robot that minimizes soil compaction while still being capable of heavy tillage in large-scale crop production. Its battery packs can last between 4 to 12 hours, and the design allows for energy storage on the farm or grid services, highlighting its multifunctional capabilities.
The jury for the AROTY award comprises a diverse group of experts, including Eric Adamson, co-founder and CEO of Tortuga AgTech; Chuck Baresich, general manager of Haggerty Creek; and Ian Beecher-Jones, a precision agriculture consultant. Other notable jurors include farmers and agricultural innovators from around the globe, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation process.
In addition to the jury’s decision, the public is also invited to participate in the selection process. A public vote will determine the favorite robot among the five finalists, with the winner receiving a free one-year online subscription to Future Farming and recognition as the readers’ choice for Ag Robot of the Year 2025.
This award not only highlights advancements in agricultural robotics but also emphasizes the growing importance of technology in modern farming practices. As the finalists prepare for the upcoming ceremony, the anticipation surrounding the AROTY award reflects a broader trend in the agricultural sector, where innovation and sustainability are increasingly intertwined. The winner will not only gain prestige but also contribute to shaping the future of farming through enhanced efficiency and productivity.