The agricultural landscape is on the cusp of a revolution, and at the heart of this transformation is the iMog robot, developed by FarmRobo. The iMog has recently been awarded the prestigious Ag Robot of the Year 2025, a testament to its innovative design and impact on smallholder farming. In an exclusive interview with Future Farming, Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala, CEO of FarmRobo, shared the inspiration, development process, and future plans for this groundbreaking autonomous farming solution.
The journey of iMog began with extensive field research and conversations with farmers. Vajrala highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including labor shortages, rising costs, and the impracticality of large, expensive equipment. “Our solution was to create a compact, battery-powered, autonomous robot that drastically cuts operational costs while eliminating fuel dependency,” Vajrala explained. iMog doesn’t just replace labor; it amplifies efficiency, reduces costs, and boosts productivity, making cutting-edge technology accessible to smallholder farmers.
Farmers played a crucial role in the development of iMog. Rigorous field trials ensured that the robot could withstand real-world farming conditions. One significant insight was the need for manual control options. Farmers wanted the ability to take over when necessary, leading to improvements in torque distribution, wheelbase adjustments, and an intuitive control interface. Szirmai Balazs, a European technical advisor from Hungary, also contributed by aligning iMog’s design with international standards and European farm requirements.
iMog is designed to be versatile and affordable, focusing on three core functions: de-weeding, spraying, and load carrying. These tasks were chosen based on farmer feedback and the challenges they face. The precision-controlled weeding tools and accurate spraying system reduce costs and environmental impact. The all-wheel drive system allows iMog to navigate diverse terrain effortlessly. Future plans include AI-powered attachments for precision spot spraying, in-plant weeding, and per-plant health monitoring using vision and multispectral imaging.
The compact design of iMog is a strategic choice. Smallholder farms often have compact plots with diverse crops and uneven topography, making large machinery impractical. iMog’s small size allows it to maneuver efficiently while minimizing soil compaction and crop damage. Its modular attachment system makes it versatile and affordable, requiring less power and making it more accessible to farmers with limited resources.
At a price point of €12,000 (US $12,840), iMog is considered affordable. Vajrala believes that costs could decrease further with larger-scale production. Bulk manufacturing, streamlined supply chains, and greater vertical integration of key components will drive down costs, significantly enhancing adoption, particularly in emerging markets. A lower price point will reduce the break-even point, accelerating deployment and improving return on investment (ROI) for small and mid-scale farmers.
The business model for farmers purchasing iMog is straightforward. It reduces costs by automating labor-intensive tasks, leading to lower labor and chemical expenses. The precision operation enhances crop health, increasing yield and profitability. Additionally, farmers can rent out the iMog, turning it into a revenue-generating asset. With lower operational costs and higher efficiency, most farmers recover their investment within a year, making iMog a practical and profitable choice.
Looking ahead, FarmRobo plans to scale aggressively. By the end of 2024, 20 units are already operational, and in 2025, the company aims for 500+ units in the domestic market and 150+ units internationally. Europe is a major focus due to government subsidies and sustainability policies promoting agri-robot adoption. The company is also expanding into North America and Asia, where rising labor costs and automation demand are increasing. With iMog’s proven field performance and growing awareness, it is poised to become a go-to solution for small-scale farmers worldwide.