In the rapidly evolving world of agricultural technology, a notable story has emerged from Portugal. Herculano, a Portuguese company, has been recognized by The Mixing Bowl, an international platform dedicated to agri-food innovation, in its 2024 Crop Robotics Landscape report. This recognition is significant as Herculano stands out as the only Portuguese company listed among the world’s leading players in agricultural robotics.
This achievement is more than just a name on a global map; it symbolizes the strength of collaboration between technology, science, and the agricultural sector. It represents a shift in how we approach sustainability, productivity, and the future of food.
At the core of this success is the Modular-E, an advanced agricultural robot developed through a partnership between Herculano and INESC TEC, one of Portugal’s leading research and technology institutions. The Modular-E was designed to tackle three of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: labor shortages, the need for sustainable farming practices, and the constant demand to increase productivity.
The Modular-E combines Herculano’s engineering excellence and industrial expertise with INESC TEC’s scientific innovation. The result is a powerful, intelligent machine capable of performing precise, data-driven agricultural operations. This is not just a concept on paper; it is a tangible step forward, already presented to the world at World FIRA 2024, the most important international fair for agricultural robotics.
The recognition from The Mixing Bowl also highlights a wider trend. In just two years, the global agricultural robotics industry has grown from fewer than 200 companies to more than 330. Herculano’s inclusion in this list shows that Portugal is not merely observing this evolution but actively contributing to it. It underscores the power of partnerships between industry, research, and startups, the kind of ecosystem collaboration that drives true technological transformation.
Herculano’s work embodies the best of Portugal’s innovative spirit: practical, ambitious, and globally relevant. It demonstrates that excellence is not confined to the world’s largest tech hubs and that meaningful innovation can come from a place deeply connected to the land and its traditions.
This moment is powerful because it reflects Portugal’s path forward. It reminds us that the country has the talent, creativity, and determination to lead in fields that combine technology and sustainability. It is also a call to continue nurturing collaboration between companies, universities, and research centers, as that is where the next great breakthroughs will be born.
Herculano’s presence in this global report is not just a milestone for the company; it is a milestone for the country. It signals that Portuguese innovation has a voice and a place in shaping the future of agriculture—a future that is digital, intelligent, and sustainable. And that is something to be proud of.