In the latest installment of CNN’s ‘Tech for Good’, anchor Kristie Lu Stout embarks on a global journey to showcase how young innovators are harnessing cutting-edge technology to revolutionize agriculture, food production, and environmental restoration. The episode, which aired on December 6, 2025, offers a glimpse into the future of farming and reforestation, driven by the next generation of tech-savvy pioneers.
The episode begins in Australia, where Stout meets SwagBot, an AI-powered agriculture robot developed at the University of Sydney. Originally designed for cattle herding, SwagBot has evolved to collect crucial data on animal grazing patterns, weather, and nutrition. This information helps farmers optimize livestock care and boost productivity. Post-doctorate researcher Fiorella Sibona explains how SwagBot and other robots developed at the university are making farming more sustainable and efficient.
Next, the show travels to Switzerland, where students at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne’s CREATE Lab are pushing the boundaries of agricultural robotics. Stout encounters a dexterous robot capable of autonomously planting, monitoring, and harvesting vegetables. The robot’s arms, crafted from scratch, are trained using bespoke haptic gloves and AI. Additionally, the GOAT (Good On All Terrains) robot, a shapeshifting, multi-modal robot that can roll, crawl, and fly, is highlighted for its potential in environmental monitoring and mapping on challenging terrains like steep vineyards.
The episode also revisits Flash Forest, a Canadian startup featured in 2021, which uses drones and advanced technology to plant seed pods in areas affected by wildfires. Co-founder Cameron Jones discusses how the company has leveraged AI, lidar sensors, and more advanced drones to expand its reach, aiming to plant one billion trees by the early 2030s.
In the United States, the show highlights the work of a team at the University of California, Berkeley, developing ‘E-seeds’. These biodegradable, self-planting seed carriers automatically corkscrew into the soil when moistened. PhD student Semina Yi demonstrates how her new seed carrier prototype can be deployed using drones to aid in land reforestation.
The implications of these innovations are vast. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices increases. The technologies showcased in ‘Tech for Good’ offer promising solutions to these challenges, potentially increasing productivity, reducing environmental impact, and aiding in reforestation efforts. By highlighting the work of young innovators, the episode underscores the importance of fostering and investing in the next generation of agricultural and environmental technologists.