A Kansas-based company, Greenfield Robotics, founded in 2018, showcases innovation with recent substantial private investment. Greenfield Robotics, located in Cheney, Kansas, specializes in producing autonomous robots designed to clear fields of weeds.
This innovative approach to regenerative agriculture offers an alternative to conventional chemical weed control methods.
Spearheaded by third-generation farmer Clint Brauer, the company has garnered support from farmers, food manufacturers, and technology enthusiasts alike.
“Annoyed by ever-present weeds on the farm, he developed a plan to use a machine to strip them away,” said Brauer, who transitioned from a career as a computer executive in California back to farming in his home state of Kansas.
Today, the ag tech company he established manufactures robots capable of understanding between crop rows to eliminate weeds.
The adoption of robotic technology to eliminate chemical usage in agriculture marks a significant stride towards a sustainable future.
Stakeholders have shown considerable interest in regenerative agriculture practices, such as frequent crop rotations, precise fertilizer application, reduced herbicide reliance, and intercropping.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, renowned for its “fast-casual” dining concept, recently took notice of Greenfield Robotics’ commitment to chemical-free farming.
In a move to foster innovation within its own operations, Chipotle invested $50 million in Greenfield Robotics.
The investment aims to scale the company’s robotic solutions for integration into farms within Chipotle’s supply chain.
This initiative aligns with Chipotle’s Cultivate Next venture fund, which prioritizes the utilization of AI, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance the efficiency, affordability, and sustainability of regenerative farming practices.
Additionally, this endeavor promises ancillary benefits, such as improved soil health and enhanced water retention capabilities.
“It’s exciting to get the investment from them,” Greenfield Robotics founder Brauer said. “They’re extremely advanced in the way they think about their supply chains and the way they do things.”
Greenfield Robotics’ integration of AI and automation reflects the Kansas Framework for Growth’s focus on innovation, advanced technologies, and partnerships.
The company’s inception was catalyzed by the support of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Program (KAITC), aimed at connecting accredited angel investors with promising Kansas-based enterprises in their initial stages.
Facilitating access to capital for Kansas startups, the Angels program has fostered a business-friendly atmosphere that has propelled unprecedented economic development since Governor Laura Kelly’s inauguration.