Bonsai Robotics, known for its groundbreaking artificial intelligence in agriculture, has acquired farm-ng Inc.—a company at the forefront of creating modular electric robots for farmers. This partnership blends Bonsai’s smart software with farm-ng’s adaptable robotic hardware, bringing a new era of innovation to the fields.
A New Chapter for Farming
Together, these two pioneers are shaping a future where AI-powered machines work alongside farmers, streamlining how crops are managed and cared for. By joining forces, they hope to increase productivity on farms, lower labor costs, and boost efficiency for a wide range of crops and agricultural tasks.
The combined technology stands out because it’s flexible and practical. Bonsai’s experienced engineers have developed powerful autonomy software. Farm-ng’s robots are designed to be modular, lightweight, and suitable for many types of farms. When united, their solution can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different operations, whether large orchard growers or smaller vegetable farms. This means farms can adopt technology that fits seamlessly into current workflows—no need to start from scratch.
From Iron to Intelligence
Tyler Niday, CEO of Bonsai Robotics, describes a turning point in agriculture: a shift from heavy, traditional “iron” machinery to a world led by intelligence and autonomy. The vision is clear—make smart systems available and easy for everyone. Their robots and software can be added to existing farm equipment or built into new machines, helping today’s workforce do more with less. With these tools, anyone can bring advanced autonomy to their farm, even in tough environments where GPS or mobile service isn’t available.
Building a Legacy of Leadership
This union brings together an impressive team:
- John Teeple, former Technology Director at John Deere and a respected leader in the industry, is now Chief Operating Officer. His experience with traditional farm machinery adds depth to the company’s mission.
- Gary Bradski, a pioneer in computer vision and founder of OpenCV, steps in as Chief Science Officer. With Dr. Bradski’s guidance, the team will further push the boundaries of AI and robotics for agriculture.
- Brendan Dowdle, former CEO of farm-ng, is now Chief Business Officer, ensuring the voice of the grower and the practical realities of the farm remain central to the company’s strategy.
Roots in Real-World Farming
Farm-ng, founded in 2020 in Watsonville, California, quickly became recognized for its compact, electric robots like the “Amiga” platform—enabling smaller farms to harness the power of robotics. Bonsai Robotics, based in San Jose and founded in 2022, has already proven its vision software in challenging scenarios, such as nut and citrus orchards where traditional systems fail.
Before this merger, the two companies had already worked together in vineyards, orchards, and on diverse crops. Their joint field tests showed promise and delivered tangible results, setting the stage for this acquisition. With strong financial support, they now have the resources to move even faster.
A Vision for the Future
The combined force of Bonsai Robotics and farm-ng is committed to what they call an “AI-first revolution” in agriculture. Their mission is to serve farmers as they are, making intelligent machines that are simple to use, trustworthy, and affordable. Above all, their focus is on real problems—like labor shortages and rising costs—ensuring their technology brings meaningful change to farms of every size and type.
This acquisition is a meaningful step toward the next generation of farming. The marriage of smart software and capable hardware promises a future where farmers can overcome today’s biggest challenges, making agriculture more resilient, efficient, and sustainable for us all.
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