Ecorobotix

Based in Switzerland, Ecorobotix manufactures AI-powered precision farming robots with low environmental impact. Ecorobotix products include a high-precision spraying robot called ARA and an autonomous, solar-powered weed-killing robot called AVO. The company claims that using its robots helps farmers save 95% of plant protection products and increase crop yield by 5-10%. Ecorobotix also states that its robots are 30% cheaper than conventional sprayers and will generate positive ROI within a five-year period. 

Ecorobotix reported in June 2021 that its product is gaining traction in Europe, with sales tripling in the first half of the year. The company also reported in August 2022 that it had added new distributors in Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Czech Republic, and plans to expand further across Europe and South America in 2023. The company launched ARA in North America, initially in Canada (May 2023) and later in the US (August 2023). Moreover, 2022 production of ARA was also reported to be sold out, with the company starting to take pre-orders for 2023.

Funding and financials

In May 2023, the company raised CHF 46 million (~USD 52 million) in funding which includes CHF 43.1 million (~USD 48.3 million) of new equity, jointly led by AQTON Private Equity GmbH and Cibus Capital LLP and CHF 3 million (~USD 3.4 million) from new financing facilities from the FOEN Swiss Technology Fund. The company plans to use the funding to support its expansion into new and existing markets, leverage the commercial success of ARA (the company’s high-precision spraying robot) in Europe, and accelerate the development of new products.