Buffalo-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.
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
Lefebure Design, LLCFrom its Cedar Rapids base, Lefebure Design develops GPS-guided technology and custom hardware and software for agricultural machine automation, guidance, and data management. It is also an authorized NovAtel dealer, supplying GNSS receivers and related tools while building applications that connect GPS and other sensor data to farm equipment and remote monitoring systems.CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA
Adev Automation, IncA 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.
Advanced Growing Resources IncAdvanced Growing Resources Inc. is a generational company led by father-and-son growers Robert and Francis Pellegrino, with CTO Andrew Thankson bringing an artificial-intelligence background to the team. Based in Rochester, the company helps farmers identify crop problems early and turn those findings into more targeted field decisions through satellite monitoring and agronomic software.ROCHESTER, NY