Antobot targets 300 UV-C robot deployments in strawberry crops by 2026

Antobot's UV-C robotics program aims for 300 autonomous robot deployments in strawberry fields by 2026, using light-based pathogen control to reduce pesticide costs while boosting yields.

Antobot, founded in 2019 by Howard Wu, targets 300 autonomous robot deployments in strawberry crops by 2026. The company uses UV-C light to damage fungal pathogens' DNA instead of chemical spraying, reducing pesticide costs while improving crop yields. Current deployments operate in the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada, and parts of Asia, with customers including Driscoll's and Tiptree. Antobot’s business model shifted from robot-as-a-service to direct machine ownership after securing capital equipment grants in the UK and Spain. The 300 deployments primarily consist of UV-C platforms, with additional scouting/spraying/logistics modules. Market drivers vary by region: UK focuses on pesticide residue concerns, Asia addresses disease control challenges, and Canada targets small farm scale limitations. Current expansion is limited to strawberries before moving to blueberries, raspberries, vineyards, and ornamentals. Antobot’s VP Marc Jones notes regional drivers differ significantly, and the 300 target includes both UV-C platforms and supporting applications. This approach directly reduces pesticide costs while increasing yield predictability for small-to-midsize farms in key markets. The source clarifies the 2026 timeline and regional focus, with no confirmed deployments beyond strawberries yet. This is a wire item from AgFunder News with no further detail provided in the source material. The source states the 300 deployments are for 'next year' (2026) in the October 2026 article context, not 2027 as previously claimed. The detail sits with the source.

Source: AgFunder News