Naio Technologies

Based in France, Naio Technologies manufactures autonomous precision weeding robots, offering them on a Weeding-as-a-Service (WaaS) business model. As of January 2022, the company offers three robotic solutions called “Oz”, “Dino”, and “Ted”, which target small-scale farms, conventional large-scale vegetable growing farms, and vineyards respectively. The company had two more robots in development (commercial launch date undisclosed). As of 2021, Naio Technologies had commissioned 250 robots worldwide, including the European, North American, and Asian markets, with over 60,000 hectares of farm coverage. 

Naio Technologies uses Real-Time-Kinematics (RTK), GPS, lasers, cameras, and sensors to power its robots. The company claims that its GPS RTK guidance system allows the robot to operate at a 2 cm precision range, without the need for  supervision. The robots are also fully electric and are capable of covering 12 acres of farm in a day, with a battery life of eight hours. In January 2022, the company stated that its robot Ted could be initially used for weeding vegetables and vineyards, but it had plans to use it with large cereal crops as well.

In November 2023,  Naio Technologies has launched Augmented Autonomy, which allows Naio’s entire fleet of robots the ability to operate autonomously, without an operator being present in the field to guarantee the safety of operations. 

Key customers and partnerships

In February 2024, The company has partnered with CAMSO, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of off-road tires, wheels, rubber tracks and undercarriage systems to launch a research and development service to offer farmers and wine growers new work tools.

Funding and financials

In December 2022, the company raised USD 33 million in a Series B funding round led by Mirova (the affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers), along with the participation of existing and new shareholders. The company intends to use the funds to expedite its international expansion and more than double its operating fleet over the next two years.