A Rising Star in Agtech Robotics
Burro, formerly known as Augean, has been making waves in the agtech robotics sector since its emergence in 2017. However, it was in recent years that the Philadelphia-based firm truly gained momentum, showcasing significant growth and innovation in its agricultural technology offerings. The company’s journey into prominence caught the attention of industry observers, particularly after its participation in a TechCrunch Robotics pitch-off in early 2020.
Navigating Through Industry Shifts
The surge in Burro’s success coincides with broader industry trends, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent labor shortages that have spurred rapid adoption of agricultural robotics solutions. With agriculture facing labor challenges, the demand for automation and robotics in farming and nurseries has surged. Burro has been at the forefront of this transformation, transitioning from early pilots to widespread real-world deployment of its robotics systems.
Impressive Milestones and Expansion Plans
Currently, Burro boasts a fleet of 300 robotics systems deployed across fields and nurseries, primarily in the United States, with additional clients in Australia and New Zealand. The company proudly reports exceeding 300,000 hours of field operation, covering 75,000 autonomous miles on commercial farms. These milestones underscore Burro’s significant presence and impact in the agricultural robotics landscape.
Funding Boost and Product Expansion
To fuel its ambitious growth plans, Burro has secured a substantial $24 million Series B funding round, co-led by Catalyst Investors and Translink Capital. The infusion of capital will support Burro’s multifaceted expansion strategy, focusing on scaling operations, enhancing product development, and bolstering sales and customer support initiatives. CEO Charlie Andersen highlights the company’s commitment to scaling revenue, accelerating product innovation, and strengthening its market presence through strategic investments.
Introducing Burro Grande: A Game-Changing Addition
In conjunction with the funding announcement, Burro unveils its latest innovation: Burro Grande. This robust autonomous farm vehicle represents a significant leap forward in Burro’s product portfolio, catering to the growing demand for larger-scale payload transportation in agricultural operations. With a payload capacity of up to 1,500 pounds and the ability to tow vehicles weighing up to 5,000 pounds, Burro Grande expands the company’s offerings into a new category, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to established players like John Deere.
Pioneering Safety and Navigation Features
Burro Grande sets itself apart with a suite of advanced safety features, including 3D LIDAR technology, ensuring precise and reliable navigation in complex farm environments. Equipped with the Burro Operating System Software v5.0, incorporating Lidar-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms, Burro Grande offers GPS-denied navigation capabilities, further enhancing its adaptability and effectiveness in diverse operating conditions.
As Burro continues to push the boundaries of innovation in agtech robotics, the introduction of Burro Grande marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards revolutionizing modern agriculture through cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.
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