The American startup AgriPass has completed a $7.5 million funding round to accelerate the commercial deployment of RHIC, its human-inspired robotic weeding platform. The technology combines computer vision and contextual AI to target weeds at the root while minimizing soil disruption and herbicide use. The funds will be used to prepare for industrial production and expand commercial operations in Europe and the United States.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "AgriPass raises $7.5M seed round to scale human-inspired AI ..." - 9 March 2026
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Canadian startup Upside Robotics has secured $7.5 million in funding to develop autonomous robots that optimize fertilizer application. These AI-equipped robots enable farmers to manage their crops remotely while reducing waste and improving soil health. With total funding exceeding $11 million, the company aims to align agricultural profitability with environmental goals, thus transforming the landscape of modern agriculture.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "$7.5 million seed funding helps Upside Robotics plant the se..." - 23 February 2026
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At Agritechnica 2025, German manufacturer Ropa showcased the Keiler 2 RK22, a potato harvester optionally equipped with a powered axle. Each wheel features a hydraulic motor, enhancing traction in challenging conditions. A control system allows for adjustments in assistance and pressure to optimize the machine's performance and maneuverability.
Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Ropa motorise entièrement l’essieu de sa Keiler 2 RK22" - 17 February 2026
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As part of its 'Startup Collaborator' program, John Deere has selected five young companies for its 2026 cohort. Launched in 2019, this initiative aims to accelerate the integration of innovative technologies in agriculture by leveraging the expertise of startups to evolve practices and production models. The areas covered by the selected companies reflect current major trends in agritech.
Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "John Deere présente les startups retenues pour son programme..." - 14 February 2026
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The digital agriculture sector in France, after a period of strong growth, is facing an alarming decline with numerous business closures, particularly in robotics and platforms. Advisory and management tools, however, appear to be weathering this crisis better. The associated costs of using these technologies weigh heavily on farmers, highlighting the economic challenges of innovation in this field.
Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Agriculture numérique : robotique, plateforme et outils conn..." - 13 February 2026
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FRANCE: The startup Upside Robotics has raised $7.5 million to develop autonomous robots dedicated to the precise application of fertilizers. This technology aims to significantly reduce nitrogen waste by replacing massive applications with targeted interventions, with deployment planned on over 3,000 acres in North America by 2026.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Upside Robotics Raises $7.5M Seed Round to Scale Autonomous ..." - 12 February 2026
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The Fisher River Cree Nation, in collaboration with ADRA Canada and Growcer Corp., inaugurates a hydroponic farm to improve access to fresh produce in Northern Manitoba. This project, which will produce 10,000 pounds of leafy greens and herbs annually, aims to support approximately 1,500 community members while providing educational and employment opportunities. Profits from excess sales will be reinvested in food and energy sovereignty initiatives, thereby enhancing local resilience and sustainable development.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Fisher River Cree Nation Launches Hydroponic Farm to Strengt..." - 12 February 2026
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Japanese trading and investment group Sumitomo Corporation and NTT e-Drone Technology, a subsidiary of NTT specializing in industrial drones, are partnering to develop and market agricultural drones produced in Japan to address labor and efficiency challenges. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies while supporting agricultural sustainability and future international expansion.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Au Japon, Sumitomo et NTT e-Drone s’allient pour accélérer l..." - 11 February 2026
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"It has been ten years since agricultural robotics has been implemented globally — a little over fifteen years for certain applications. Yet, there are not robots everywhere in the fields. Why?" questioned Aymeric Barthes, president of GOFAR, during the GOFAR Tour 2026. This is a central question, as robots are often presented as a solution to labor shortages and sustainability challenges, yet they still struggle to gain widespread adoption. More complementary than substitutes to tractors, these technologies now face integration, usage, and economic model barriers, beyond just technological hurdles.
Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "La robotisation, c’est pas (encore) automatique" - 6 February 2026
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Climate change complicates the cooling of grains, leading to a significant decline in climate supply. Economic losses due to poor storage conditions are alarming, with 75% of farm stocks affected by insect infestations. Optimizing ventilation systems, coupled with automation and rigorous thermal monitoring, is essential to preserve crop quality in the face of these growing challenges.
Source: Wikiagri, published under the title "Quand le réchauffement climatique complique le stockage" - 5 February 2026
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