Press release Archives - Page 2 of 2

Ecorobotix is pleased to announce that the revolutionary ARA ultra-high precision sprayer is now available through a distributor in Canada. This exciting development is made possible through a partnership with Univerco, a renowned family-owned company based in Napierville, Quebec.

Univerco’s extensive expertise and dedication to innovation perfectly aligns with Ecorobotix's mission of facilitating everyday operations for farmers. The company works closely with international producers to develop efficient and high-quality products tailored to different production types and volumes. Since its establishment in 1978, they have been at the forefront of delivering professional and innovative solutions, making them an ideal partner for Ecorobotix.

Alain Grégoire, Univerco General Manager, comments on the collaboration.

“Univerco is proud to be associated with the Ecorobotix state of the art technology in order to offer growers a solution that can improve their bottom line while being environmentally friendly.”

Ecorobotix valued partners and clients in Canada

Univerco is gearing up to showcase ARA at several upcoming events in Canada. The sprayer has already garnered significant interest from prospective buyers, reflecting the market's eagerness for cutting-edge agricultural technology. The ARA sprayer's ultra-high precision capabilities are revolutionizing the industry by significantly reducing manual labor, input costs, chemical drift, CO2 emissions, and enhancing crop yield by reducing phytotoxicity.

Following the successful signing of the distribution agreement, Ecorobotix continues to expand its presence in the Canadian market. In late May, they proudly announced their collaboration with two of Canada's top vegetable growers, solidifying their commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to Canada’s thriving agricultural sector. As the company expands its global reach, the partnership with Univerco marks another significant milestone in Ecorobotix's journey towards sustainable modern agriculture worldwide.

Release 3.0 introduces the following five new innovative capabilities:

(1) Targeted Treatment with Size Control: Precision treatment of specified plant dimensions is enabled by setting a target size. This offers versatile applications, from precise foliar fertilization to tackling established weeds.

(2) Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon Differentiation: Ecorobotix raises the bar with advanced detection capabilities that differentiate between monocot and dicot weeds, a technological first. This distinction empowers farmers to employ treatments with graminicides exclusively on monocotyledons, maximizing the potential of Ecorobotix's pioneering technology.

(3) Revolutionary Row Algorithm: ARA's novel row algorithm advances crop row recognition, facilitating precise spraying on rows or inter-rows. This extends benefits to crops that do not yet have their own plant detection algorithms.

*(4) Customizable Safety Zones: Altering the dimensions of the safety zone surrounding the crop is now achievable. The distance of the safety zone can be modified, within which no spraying occurs. This approach is specifically designed for applying herbicides.

*(5) “Spray All but Crop” Application Mode: This revolutionary spray mode, ideal for pre-emergence and root herbicides, empowers farmers to spray all but crops, and can even be combined with the previous new feature of adjustable safety zones.

In addition to these technical functionalities, release 3.0 also presents an expanded user interface for the ARA, now accommodating *five additional languages: Czech, Danish, Spanish, Polish, and Portuguese.

* New Features included in base license

For more information, contact Ecorobotix at info@ecorobotix.com.

[Yverdon-les-Bains, August 16, 2023] – Ecorobotix, the pioneering Swiss agtech and AI software company, is thrilled to announce the introduction of its ground-breaking ARA to the United States. ARA’s unique technology is set to transform agriculture with its advanced UHP-Sprayer™ and Plant-by-Plant™ AI-based software solution.

ARA was launched in 2021 by Ecorobotix in Switzerland and has since grown its success in 13 European countries and most recently expanded geographically to Canada and South America.

What makes ARA unique?

ARA stands apart from its competition due to its unique combination of Ecorobotix’s advanced UHP-Spray-Technology™ and the AI-driven Plant-by-Plant™ software. In less than 250 milliseconds, this dynamic system “scans” the field, captures real-time imagery, identifies the specified crops or weeds the farmer has chosen to treat, and executes a remarkably precise spray precision of 2.4 by 2.4 inches, all while minimizing drift.

ARA’s primary application currently focuses on targeted herbicide treatments in vegetable fields, showcasing reduced phytotoxicity and enhanced overall crop yields. This translates to substantial profit increases for farmers while reducing herbicide volumes by an impressive 70-95%. Beyond herbicides, ARA’s versatility extends to the application of liquid fertilizers, growth treatments, insecticides, and pesticides, making its combination of precision & versatility unique in the market.

First steps in America

Ecorobotix's expansion into the US market has been marked by the establishment of its US subsidiary, Ecorobotix Inc., and its membership in the esteemed Western Growers Association (WGA) in California. The ARA was officially on display for the first time in the US at the 2023 Farm Tech Days in Wisconsin in cooperation with Edney Distributing and will be shown at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois. Ecorobotix Inc. is excited to make its inaugural appearance at FIRA in Salinas, California this September, with field demonstrations of its ARA.

"Expanding to the US is a significant milestone for our company. We are eager to witness our innovative technology making a positive impact on agriculture worldwide."
Aurelien G. Demaurex, Ecorobotix Co-founder

Farmers can now place orders for the 2024 season by contacting sales.northamerica@ecorobotix.com. Ecorobotix Inc. is currently in the process of recruitment. To learn more, contact talents@ecorobotix.com.

José Marchetti representing Ecorobotix for the first time in the USA - first arrival and showcasing of ARA in Wisconsin

See the press release - link

Ecorobotix, a leading innovator in the field of agricultural robotics, announces the appointment of Aurélien G. Demaurex as its interim CEO, following the unexpected passing of their CEO, Simon Aspinall. Demaurex, the company’s co-founder and CFO, is ideally suited to guide Ecorobotix during this transitional period and will serve as the interim CEO until a new CEO is appointed.

Demaurex wants to assure clients, investors, and employees of the company's unwavering dedication to stability and growth, even as the company grieves this unfortunate loss.

"We understand the immense responsibility entrusted to us during this difficult period. During this time of transition, our focus will be on preserving the vision and culture that Simon wanted to instill at Ecorobotix. We will continue to prioritize innovation, embrace collaboration, and empower our employees to drive the company's success.”
Aurélien G. Demaurex

Ecorobotix extends its gratitude to its valued investors, stakeholders, and partners for their continued support and confidence. As a company, and despite this tragedy, everyone at Ecorobotix remains committed to delivering exceptional customer service, growing in the market by developing new business opportunities & partnerships and strengthening our overall position as a market leader in ultra-high precision crop treatments and plant-by-plant data solutions. 

Press Release

Swiss agtech company, Ecorobotix, acquires its first clients in Canada, who are reportedly, “very excited for this new farming technology.”

Ecorobotix, the Swiss-based agtech company, is proud to announce the launch of its revolutionary sprayer ARA in North America, arriving first in Canada. The company has sold two machines so far directly to Ferme Hotte & Van Winden and Delfland, two of Canada’s top vegetable growers, both directly supplying to US cities like New York and Boston. After only a short time of training, the ARAs are already making an impact in their fields.

The size of ARA is perfect for our vegetable operations. We didn’t need to do anything but to go to the fields, fill the tanks, and start spraying. We are impressed with its speed. Being able to do such precise spraying at 4.7 miles/hour is just amazing. I’m already recommending some other farmers in the region to purchase their own ARA.
Ferme Hotte & Van Winden, Martin Van Winden

We are equally excited to begin with ARA. We will focus on using it in our onion and lettuce fields first, then carrots, and other crops that we grow. We are very happy how the machine is simple to use, rapid, and how the cameras can detect very small weeds.
Delfland, Guillaume Cloutier

Both companies are planning on using ARA to apply different kinds of phytosanitary products (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides). Cloutier indicated that the savings on the use of products will allow them to pay off the ARA in one to two cropping seasons and that the benefits of use consist not only in the 70-95% phytosanitary product savings, but also an increase of crop yields thanks to the reduction of phytotoxicity and above all, the reduction of manual labor

Ecorobotix CEO, Simon Aspinall, remarked that the arrival of the first ARA machines in North America is another great step forward for Ecorobotix. The geographic expansion follows Ecorobotix’s recent $52 million funding round, part of which is planned to rapidly expand the company’s global presence, starting with the Americas.

Ecorobotix

Ecorobotix is a Swiss company, Certified B Corporation®, founded to radically change agriculture for the better to respect the environment by reducing chemical/energy use and impact on soil. Ecorobotix developed ARA, a revolutionary plant-by-plant data solution and ultra-high precision crop treatment that reduces the use of conventional agricultural inputs by 70-95%, while increasing crop yields by 5% or more and significantly decreasing CO2 emissions. Using AI technology and its unique ultra-high precision spraying system, ARA can recognize individual plants, classify them in real-time, and spray the weeds with an unprecedented precision of 2.4x2.4in (6x6cm) without affecting the surrounding crops or soil

For inquiries contact media@ecorobotix.com
PDF to download on our pressroom : ecorobotix.prowly.com/

YVERDON-LES-BAINS, SWITZERLAND – 09 MAY 2023 : Ecorobotix, the Swiss manufacturer of ARA, an AI powered plant-by-plant recognition and ultra-high precision smart spraying system, announced the completion of a $52 million (CHF 46 million) funding round, jointly led by AQTON Private Equity GmbH and Cibus Capital LLP, with additional investments from Swisscanto Invest/Swisscanto Growth Fund I, Yara Growth Ventures, Flexstone Partners, and from existing investors including Swisscom Ventures, BASF Venture Capital, 4FOX Ventures, and Verve Ventures. The funding will accelerate Ecorobotix’s geographic expansion across new and existing markets and accelerate new product development.

Stefan Quandt, owner of AQTON PE (co-lead investor), explained his company’s decision to invest in Ecorobotix:

I’m looking forward to helping grow businesses like Ecorobotix which are having a positive impact on agriculture and the environment. Ultra-high precision agriculture and solutions like ARA from Ecorobotix are critical to improving farmer efficiency and helping move towards an eco-friendlier future.
Stefan Quandt, owner of AQTON PE

With customers in 15 European markets, these investments will further accelerate Ecorobotix’s rapidly growing business. Ecorobotix will use the new capital to expedite the growth of ARA worldwide, particularly in the Americas. The capital will also help reinforce the company’s mission to radically change agriculture for the better by offering smart, innovative, and sustainable crop treatment solutions. ARA saves farmers money and makes their lives easier, while simultaneously respecting the environment by massively reducing input costs about 70-95%, increasing crop yields, reducing the impact on soil, and preserving biodiversity.

We are proud to be working with investors who clearly see the environmental benefits of our ultra-high precision technology. With these new investments, we will deliver ARA to more farmers, in more markets, increasing agricultural productivity while protecting the environment and reducing CO2 impact.
Ecorobotix CEO, Simon Aspinall

For this financing Ecorobotix worked with UBS Growth Advisory and Oaklins France as advisors. The capital raise included $48.3M (CHF 43.1M) of new equity and $3.4M (CHF 3M) of new financing facilities thanks to the FOEN Swiss Technology Fund. The new capital will enable Ecorobotix to grow into new markets, expand the product range, and build on the existing commercial success of ARA in Europe.

Ecorobotix

Ecorobotix is a Swiss company, Certified B Corporation®, founded to radically change agriculture for the better to respect the environment by reducing chemical/energy use and impact on soil. Ecorobotix developed ARA, a revolutionary plant-by-plant data solution and ultra-high precision crop treatment that reduces the use of herbicides, pesticides, growth treatments and liquid fertilizers by 70-95%, while increasing crop yields by 5% or more and significantly decreasing CO2 emissions. Using AI technology and its unique ultra-high precision spraying system, ARA can recognize individual plants, classify them in real-time, and spray the weeds with an unprecedented precision of 2.4x2.4in (6x6 cm) without affecting the surrounding crops or soil.

The following investors are listed in alphabetical order.

4FOX Ventures

4FOX Ventures is a leading healthcare and technology focused venture capital team managing investments in the most innovative and fast-growing companies in Switzerland. 4FOX Ventures invests in the sectors of technology, agriculture, big data, and artificial intelligence.

AQTON Private Equity GmbH

AQTON PE is a holding company wholly owned by the German entrepreneur Stefan Quandt and combines both venture and private equity investments.

BASF Venture Capital GmbH (BVC)

BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF Venture Capital GmbH also contributes to this corporate purpose. Founded in 2001, BASF Venture Capital invests in Europe, United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and Israel with a goal to generate new growth potential for current and future business areas of BASF by investing in young companies and funds. BASF venture investments include decarbonization, circular economy, agtech, new materials, digitization, and new, disruptive business models.

Cibus Capital LLP

Cibus Capital LLP is the London-based investment advisor to the Cibus funds. The Cibus funds partner with food and agriculture companies that provide investors with a risk-adjusted return on capital and a sustainable competitive advantage. Cibus has raised over USD 1bn to invest in two strategies: mid-market growth/buyout investments in food production and processing businesses and late stage agrifood technology companies.

Flexstone Partners

Flexstone Partners invests, directly or through funds, in well-managed, ethically responsible companies sensitive to the ESG agenda, such as having a minimal impact on the environment and adhering to fair labor, human rights and sustainable business practices. Flexstone Partners is an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, one of the world’s largest asset managers.

Swisscanto Invest

Swisscanto Invest is the asset management arm of the Zürcher Kantonalbank group, one of Switzerland's largest fund providers, developing high-quality investment and pension solutions for private investors, companies, and institutions. The Swisscanto Growth Fund provides capital to companies in the expansion phase active in the information, communication, technology (ICT) as well as in the healthcare sectors, mainly in Switzerland and opportunistically abroad. The Swisscanto Growth Fund aims at creating added value during the market penetration by supporting its portfolio companies with capital, know-how and access to international partners for further expansion until a successful exit.

Swisscom Ventures

Swisscom Ventures is the venture capital arm of Swisscom AG, the leading telecom and IT provider in Switzerland. Swisscom Ventures invests both in Switzerland and internationally in early-stage digital companies that have the potential to become global tech winners.

About Verve Ventures

Verve Ventures is a network and technology driven venture firm who have invested in over 140 science and technology startups across Europe. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Verve Ventures has an annual investment volume of more than EUR 60M and belongs to the top 10% most active startup investors in Europe.

Yara Growth Ventures

Yara Growth Ventures is the venture investment team within Yara International ASA investing in disruptive startups in the agri-food industry globally in order to advance the mission of responsibly feeding the world and protecting the planet.

For inquiries contact media@ecorobotix.com
PDF to download on our pressroom : ecorobotix.prowly.com/

Our ARA ultra-high precision sprayer is now available in Argentina through our new distributor Abelardo Cuffia S.A. A first machine will be operational in the country by the summer.

We will be exhibiting at ExpoAgro. One of the largest agricultural exhibitions in South America, it happens in Buenos Aires from 7 to 10 March 2023.

Meet our Regional Manager Americas José Marchetti and Abelardo Cuffia S.A. on stand 15. Together they will present our technology to the visitors.

You can also reach out to Jose Marchetti directly:
- by email: jose.marchetti@ecorobotix.com
- by phone: +41 76 501 90 52

Partnerships with other South American companies are being negotiated. Expect to see Ecorobotix-branded machines all over Latin America soon!

The media are covering it

> Our pressrelease : in english and in spanish

Our arrival on the South American continent is already in the press! Two media have reported the news (in Spanish):

We have recently started working in France with Promodis, a network of resellers specialising in the sale of agricultural equipment and services. This new collaboration will allow us to further grow the use of our technology in France.

Our previous retailers in France, David Group and Méthivier Group are also part of the Promodis network. And in Burgundy Franche-Comté, we're distributed by Déméterre. We're glad to keep working with these talented companies!

In January, we were at SIVAL 2023 in Angers. This trade show was the perfect opportunity to meet all our partners!