In a significant development for the agricultural robotics sector, a French court has approved the takeover of Naïo Technologies, paving the way for a new chapter under the streamlined name Naïo. The company, known for its innovative agricultural robots, will continue to offer all existing robot models through its established dealer network. However, the focus will shift towards enhancing its two flagship robots, Ted and Oz, as highlighted by COO Matthias Carriere. “They are our most sold and reliable robots at this time,” Carriere stated, emphasizing the company’s strategic pivot.
The new leadership team is co-headed by Antoine Monville, a Toulouse-based entrepreneur and industrialist with a specialization in technological project management, and Carriere. They are supported by a consortium of financial and institutional partners, with Jean-Marc Nozeran, former President of Continental Automotive France, serving as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Nozeran’s industrial expertise is expected to bring valuable insights to the project.
The takeover comes after Naïo Technologies entered a period of ‘judicial recovery’ in June this year, following a decline in revenue. The company operated under a court-appointed administrator during this period. “The company was under the protection of the court here in France, and our aim was to find a company to take over the assets of Naïo Technologies,” explained Carriere. The new structure will focus exclusively on robot sales, abandoning service-based and leasing models to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Looking ahead, Naïo intends to accelerate its industrial development and strengthen international partnerships. The company’s action plan prioritizes scaling up production capacity, expanding its European distribution network, and consolidating research and development activities. Naïo aims to reach operational balance by 2028, producing 100 robots per year and achieving €11 million in annual revenue by 2030. The plan also foresees maintaining 21 jobs and creating 10 new positions over the same period.
Naïo has long been recognized as a pioneer in agricultural robotics, and the company intends to rebuild its reputation and fulfill existing support obligations by retaining much of its support and customer service staff. “Customers are key for us. We will also work with strong industrial partnerships in order to regain trust. And we have a strong support from historical investors who believe in Naïo. Our goal is to obtain trust step by step with a strategy adapted to the size and the team of new company,” Carriere said.
The relaunch is backed by committed shareholders and public institutions, including Mirova, Bpifrance, and the Occitanie Region (through its ARIS fund). Together, they have assembled a €6.4 million financing package to strengthen Naïo’s industrial base, boost production, and expand its commercial reach in France and abroad.
The French agricultural robotics market is projected to reach €3 billion by 2030, while the global market could grow to €98 billion by 2033. “Currently, agriculture is facing a crisis clearly. Farmers will need innovation to be more efficient, cost effective and less dependent on labour. So, the market will be here, even if it takes longer time than expected. You can compare this situation with what happens to milking robots. The main challenge is to give more value with robots to farmers: real autonomy and more versatility,” Carriere noted.
Founded in 2011 in Escalquens, France, Naïo Technologies designs and manufactures fully electric, autonomous robots that support the agroecological transition. With more than 350 robots deployed across 5 continents, Naïo has become a leading name in field robotics. Its solutions help farmers cut herbicide use by 50–70% and save up to 800 working hours per year. The lightweight, fully electric machines also minimize soil compaction, reduce emissions, and improve working conditions on farms.
This strategic shift and financial backing signal a renewed commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture. As Naïo Technologies embarks on this new journey, the agricultural sector watches closely, hopeful for advancements that could redefine farming practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.