Mechanization & Robotics: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Brazil's Agricultural Drones Surge from 3,000 to 35,000 in Four Years

The use of drones in Brazilian agriculture is experiencing exponential growth, with operational units rising from 3,000 in 2021 to 35,000 by 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Drones enable precise spraying, reduce input volumes, and enhance operator safety while adapting to challenging terrains. DronePro, a DJI partner, positions itself as a market leader in Brazil, holding a 21.1% market share in 2025.

Precision Planting Demonstrates Up to 15% Yield Increase in Corn Through Seed Optimization

Agco's technology division, Precision Planting, has shown a 15% yield increase in corn through optimized planter settings. Technologies such as SpeedTube and DeltaForce enhance planting precision and productivity. The company plans to expand its trials to other soil types and crops, including corn, sugar beet, sunflower, and canola, thereby strengthening its experimental network for 2026.

Autonomous Tractors: Kubota and Agtonomy Strengthen Their AI Partnership

Kubota Corporation recently invested in the American startup Agtonomy, which develops automation systems for precision agricultural operations. This collaboration, initiated in 2024, aims to market smart solutions for specialty crops, addressing the growing demand for efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Agtonomy, focusing on optimizing agricultural tasks through AI, has already demonstrated its potential at CES® 2026 with an autonomous tractor.

Brazil: Startup Develops Smart Trap Combining Electromagnetic Waves and AI for Cotton Weevil Monitoring

Brazilian startup Fox Agritech has developed an innovative electromagnetic trap to monitor and control the cotton weevil, a major pest in cotton production. By combining electromagnetic signals, artificial intelligence, and real-time data analysis, this solution, currently in the field validation phase, aims to reduce reliance on insecticides. Internal studies suggest a potential reduction of 10 to 20% in insecticide applications.

Connected Tractor: Claas Introduces Partial Autonomy on the Xerion 12

The Claas Xerion 12, featuring powerful options of 590 hp and 653 hp, is set to integrate partial autonomy technology through the VCU control unit. Scheduled for 2026, this innovation will enable optimized route management and real-time operation tracking, while reducing the workload for operators.

Agritech: Ecorobotix Enhances Precision Spraying with AI Platform

Ecorobotix, a Swiss company specializing in agritech, has acquired Maya, an AI-powered operational intelligence platform, to enhance land management. This acquisition combines Ecorobotix's precision spraying technology with Maya's agronomic data platform, enabling optimized operations management across more than 150 facilities in 12 countries.

SprayTec and American Drone Network Optimize Agricultural Spraying with Drones Using Concentrated Formulations

The collaboration between American Drone Network and SprayTec marks a significant step in optimizing aerial applications in agriculture. With concentrated formulations, drones can now cover up to 13 acres per load, reducing spray volume by 60 to 75%, water usage, and packaging waste.

In France, the Electrification Plan includes the purchase of 150 electric tractors made in Europe

Monarch Tractor Fails: Agricultural Robotics Confronts Economic Model Challenges

Monarch Tractor, despite notable advancements in tractor electrification and autonomy, faced economic challenges and an unsuitable business model, leading to its closure. Co-founder Praveen Penmetsa emphasizes that the technology was viable, but the shift to a licensing model came too late. The sale of their technology to a major manufacturer (Caterpillar) highlights the difficulties faced by startups in the agritech sector.

Jacto Unveils BalanceControl to Enhance Agricultural Spraying Accuracy by 30%

At Innovar 2026 in Paraguay, Jacto introduced its BalanceControl technology, designed to enhance spray quality by stabilizing spray booms. This innovation reduces oscillations and ensures uniform distribution of agrochemicals, thereby increasing operational efficiency by up to 30%.