Muddy Machines has expanded its agricultural robotics lineup through the acquisition of a logistics robot from Fox Robotics, aimed at enhancing farm operations by transporting harvested crops and delivering empty trays to workers. This move aligns with the company's mission to mitigate agricultural labor shortages through mechanization. The newly acquired robot, named Squirrel, is equipped to navigate both outdoor fields and polytunnels using GPS and visual systems, facilitating the movement of goods and potentially increasing worker productivity by taking over the strenuous task of transportation.
The addition of Squirrel complements Muddy Machines' existing portfolio, including Sprout, an all-electric precision agriculture platform focused initially on asparagus harvesting. Sprout has already undergone successful trials, demonstrating its capability in the field. The company is now preparing for Sprout's full deployment in 2025, with pre-orders currently being accepted. This development represents a step forward in addressing labor challenges in horticulture through electric robotic solutions designed to assist farm workers in performing labor-intensive tasks.
With labor being a primary concern in the agricultural sector, Muddy Machines aims to offer efficient and cost-effective robotic tools to support farm workers and alleviate financial pressures on growers caused by rising minimum wages and National Insurance contributions. The company is also in the process of raising $1.5 million in pre-Series A funding to support its acquisition and ongoing trials, with plans to introduce additional tools for precision weeding, planting, and spraying for high-value vegetables and specialty crops in the near future.
Source: Agfunder News