Ecorobotix came into being when Steve Tanner crossed paths with Aurélien Demaurex at an environmental conservation gathering.
Ecorobotix was founded in 2014 by Steve Tanner and Aurélien Demaurex, who combined their expertise in farming and robotics to revolutionize weed management through artificial intelligence. They started prototyping and secured essential funding from the Foundation for Technological Innovation, allowing them to transition into the startup phase.
By 2015, the company hired its initial employees and developed further prototypes with support from private investors and research projects with EPFL and HE-Arc.
From 2016 to 2018, the D-ARM prototype was developed and tested. With CHF 3 million in funding, the company exceeded CHF 10 million in 2018. As a result of initial challenges with the prototype's speed and stability, the team decided to innovate further by incorporating nozzles and a spray bar.
In June 2019, Ecorobotix achieved B-Corp Certification with the D-ARM robot, demonstrating the company's commitment to high standards in social and environmental performance, legal responsibility, and public transparency.
In 2020, Ecorobotix introduced its autonomous robot, AVO. Trials across Europe involved a dozen robots, gathering extensive images to enhance its algorithms. However, due to issues with the system's efficiency and legalities with autonomous machines in several countries, the company sought a more market-ready solution.
By 2020, with nearly 30 employees, Ecorobotix began developing a new system based on AVO's technology but designed to be tractor-pulled. The AVO's 2-meter-wide display was then expanded.
In 2021, Ecorobotix launched the ARA ultra-high precision field sprayer, offering simpler use, higher speed, and greater coverage. The ARA, featuring a 6-meter foldable frame and a front tank, became a more versatile and transportable solution.
In early 2022, Ecorobotix entered a new phase of leadership with the appointment of Simon Aspinall as CEO. This milestone expanded the management team to five key leaders, including the two co-founders transitioning into CFO and CTO roles, alongside a COO, CBO, and CMO—bringing together a strong mix of expertise to drive the company's next stage of growth.
In March 2023, Ecorobotix secured a $52 million investment, fueling its expansion into the Americas—starting in South America, followed by Canada and the USA. By mid-2023, the company established its US branch and signed its first US dealers. Ecorobotix also introduced new crop algorithms to enhance its AI software. Additionally, the company achieved B-Corp recertification, joined the STI Directory, and received multiple awards, including the SIMA Gold and SIVAL Innovation awards. (Ecorobotix CEO, Simon Aspinall, tragically passed away in June 2023 following a sudden accident. He was a cherished friend to everyone at Ecorobotix.)
In March 2024, Ecorobotix appointed Dominique Mégret, formerly of Swisscom Ventures, as its new CEO. That same year, the company expanded into the UK, followed by Australia and New Zealand in early 2025, strengthening its international team and dealer network. With a global workforce of over 200 employees, Ecorobotix continues its rapid growth—not only in team size but also in product innovation and AI capabilities. By adding new algorithms to its portfolio, the company is enhancing the versatility of its technology, enabling its use across a broader range of crops.
