Naïo Technologies, a French manufacturer of autonomous agricultural robots, has been placed under court supervision and is actively seeking a buyer to secure its future. The company, based in Escalquens in southern France, reported a turnover of €2.4 million in 2024, but recent financial difficulties have led to this development. The court has set a deadline of 27 June for finding a buyer to ensure the continuation of operations and the preservation of jobs.
The financial troubles at Naïo Technologies are attributed to a combination of factors. A significant decline in demand for agricultural machinery has impacted the company’s revenue streams. Additionally, the ongoing crisis in the wine industry, a key sector for Naïo, has further exacerbated the situation. The wine industry’s struggles have led to reduced investments in mechanisation, which is crucial for Naïo’s business model.
Naïo Technologies specialises in the development and manufacture of autonomous robots designed for various agricultural tasks, particularly weed control. Their product range includes the compact Oz, tailored for small-scale farming, and larger models like Jo, Dino, and Orio, which are used in extensive fields and vegetable production. These robots are GPS-guided and capable of operating fully autonomously, making them a valuable tool for modern agriculture.
In the Netherlands, Naïo robots have been supplied by Abemec since March 2019, following Reesink Agri’s distribution until the end of 2018. Abemec distributes these autonomous machines to customers in sectors such as horticulture and greenhouse cultivation. Nard Savelkouls, arable farming product manager at Abemec, confirms that Naïo Technologies has been put up for sale by a French court. “In the Netherlands, around twenty agricultural robots of the Oz and Orio models are currently operational,” he says. Savelkouls remains optimistic about the prospects of finding a buyer, citing the technical expertise within the Naïo team as a significant asset.
The search for a buyer is crucial not only for the financial stability of Naïo Technologies but also for the jobs of its 53 employees. The company’s innovative technology has the potential to revolutionise agricultural practices, and securing a buyer could ensure that this technology continues to develop and reach more farmers. The outcome of this process will be closely watched by the agricultural technology community, as it could set a precedent for the future of autonomous farming solutions.