17 Founded in 2015 as TartanSense and rebranded as Niqo Robotics in 2022, the company has become a global leader in AI-driven agricultural automation. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Niqo has raised over $22 million in funding and operates in both Asian and North American markets. Its mission is simple: “To revolutionize agriculture through robotic innovation.” Niqo’s product lineup includes the RoboSpray, an AI-powered selective spraying robot, and the RoboThinner, designed for lettuce thinning and beneficial spraying. Together, these machines have covered more than 160,000 acres worldwide, delivering measurable ROI (return on investment) for growers. The company’s technology is built for real-world farm conditions— rugged, reliable, and adaptable to existing equipment. “Our robots aren’t tech toys; they’re farming technology engineered for the challenges of a real farm,” Rao commented. “Feedback from growers in California and Arizona has been clear: they need systems that are fast, accurate, and flexible enough to handle changing field conditions. That’s exactly what we’ve built—the fastest spot-spray weeder in the field.” By using Niqo Sense, a proprietary artificial intelligence camera system, the robot scans fields in real time, identifies weeds, and activates precision nozzles to spray only where necessary. This “green-on-green” vision system works even in dense foliage, reducing chemical use by up to 45 percent compared to conventional methods. The company calls it a smarter, cleaner way to manage weeds without sacrificing efficiency. The precision weeding robot is designed for specialty crops where timing and accuracy are critical. It can be retrofitted to any tractor and adapted to multiple bed configurations, making it a farm-friendly upgrade rather than a complete overhaul. At full speed, growers can expect ROI in under two seasons, thanks to reduced labor costs and optimized chemical use. With agricultural labor availability declining and production costs rising, robotic platforms are becoming an operational necessity. Niqo’s solution offers a scalable, integrated approach that maintains agronomic precision while maximizing speed and minimizing complexity. Sustainability and Profitability Beyond cost savings, Niqo’s technology supports sustainability goals by reducing chemical runoff and improving soil health. Precision spraying minimizes environmental impact while ensuring crops receive exactly what they need— no more, no less. For growers navigating consumer demand for cleaner produce and stricter regulations on chemical use, this innovation couldn’t come at a better time. As Rao summed up: “What we’re introducing is a new approach to how AI-powered spot spraying can support agriculture.” For growers throughout all of Canada and the United States, that means a future where smart robots handle the toughest jobs, freeing up time and resources for better farm management. | pag Niqo Robotics’ latest innovation promises faster, smarter weed control, helping growers cut costs, reduce chemical use, and tackle labor shortages. ANDREW JOSEPH FARMS.COM PHOTO: niqorobotics.com
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