A Dayton, Ohio robotics start-up, Adev Automation is developing autonomous harvesters that find and pick ripe strawberries to help farms manage labor shortages and reduce food waste. Its S-2 Albien prototype has been tested with commercial farms and research partners including The Ohio State University and the University of Florida, while the company is also developing a hops-harvesting platform. A 2024 strawberry picker design incorporating LIDAR and pneumatic assistance is under construction and testing.
BurroBorn from a working farmer’s frustration with tedious outdoor labor, Burro has been building autonomous, electric work robots for agriculture and industrial operations since 2017. Its collaborative platforms handle the repetitive hauling, carrying, mowing and spraying that can slow crews down, from vineyard rows and nurseries to depot yards. Based in Philadelphia with an additional Visalia location, Burro says its robots are used by more than 100 operations worldwide.PHILADELPHIA, PA
Cloud and Field IncBuffalo-based Cloud and Field Inc. retrofits the heavy machinery farmers already own into autonomous vehicles using software, sensors, positioning systems, and artificial intelligence. Founded by data scientist Greg Everhart, the company is developing patent-pending tools aimed at helping family farms address labor shortages without replacing their existing equipment or requiring broadband. Its retrofit approach is being pilot-tested with Upstate New York farms.KENMORE, NY
Hillside Cultivator Company, LLCBorn from the needs of a strawberry farm, Hillside Cultivator Company builds specialized cultivating equipment for fruit and vegetable growers. The Lititz, Pennsylvania company assembles its cultivators to order at the farm, using frames and parts made by nearby fabricators, with designs suited to strawberry renovation and season-long weed control between rows. Hillside also serves as a dealer for the Eco Weeder and other specialized cultivating equipment.LITITZ, PA
Alliance AutomationSince opening in Delphos during the 2008 recession, Alliance Automation has grown from six employees into a Van Wert-based automation builder with a 140,000-square-foot engineering and manufacturing facility. The company is especially known for applying robotics to pallet recycling, while its in-house team develops custom systems for manufacturers seeking more dependable production. Alliance also maintains a Mexico engineering and manufacturing operation and provides service after installation.VAN WERT, OH