Saga Robotics has taken a significant stride towards expanding its autonomous field robot, Thorvald, with the securing of £8.4 million ($11 million) in new funding. This investment, which attracted both new and returning investors, marks a pivotal transition for the company as it moves from pilot projects to widespread commercial operations in the UK and the United States.
The funding round was led by Luxembourg-based venture capital firm Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, joining existing supporters such as Aker, Nysnø Climate Investments, Blystad, Hatteland, Melesio, Sanden, and MP Pensjon. The capital was raised in two tranches, with £6 million closed on 23 June and an additional £2.4 million finalized on 8 July.
Thorvald has been gaining traction in the agricultural sector, particularly in strawberry farming and vineyards. In the UK, Thorvald is now utilized by 13 leading strawberry growers, treating around 20% of the national crop. Saga Robotics aims to increase this coverage to over 30% by 2026. The company also reported its first commercial revenue this year with a yield prediction data tool integrated into Thorvald’s platform.
Across the Atlantic, Thorvald is active on more than 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of vineyards in the United States, with plans to triple that area by 2026. The robot has also been added to California’s CORE incentive programme, which provides grants for sustainable agricultural technologies. More than 150 Thorvald 3.0 units are operating during the 2025 growing season, underscoring the transition from research prototypes to full-scale commercial use.
This latest funding round builds on an earlier $11.5 million investment in early 2024, which helped Saga scale Thorvald 3, enhance its UV-C light technology for mildew control, and integrate advanced crop monitoring tools. The continued investment and expansion of Thorvald’s capabilities highlight the growing demand for autonomous solutions in agriculture.
The implications of this funding and expansion are significant for the agricultural industry. As Thorvald becomes more widely adopted, it has the potential to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve crop yields. The integration of advanced technologies, such as UV-C light for mildew control and yield prediction tools, can also contribute to more sustainable and precise farming practices.
For Saga Robotics, this funding round represents a crucial step in its journey towards becoming a leading provider of autonomous agricultural solutions. The company’s focus on commercial deployment and expansion into new markets demonstrates its commitment to scaling its technology and meeting the evolving needs of farmers.
As Thorvald continues to gain ground in strawberry farming and vineyards, it is likely that other agricultural sectors will also benefit from its capabilities. The transition from pilot projects to full-scale commercial use is a testament to the potential of autonomous robots in revolutionizing the way we farm. With continued investment and innovation, Saga Robotics is poised to play a significant role in the future of agriculture.