appharvest buys ag-robotics firm, root ai
AppHarvest Acquires Robotics Firm Root AI
AppHarvest, a leading indoor farming company, has announced the acquisition of Root AI this week. The transaction is estimated at approximately $60 million, comprised of $10 million in cash and the remaining amount in AppHarvest stock.
Root AI's Focus and Funding
Root AI, a robotics startup located in Boston, shares a similar core objective with its new parent company. We have previously reported on this startup, including coverage of their $7.2 million seed funding round announced last August.
The demand for robotics has increased, particularly within the agriculture and food production sectors, as organizations seek to automate operations. To date, Root AI has secured a total of $9.5 million in funding, driven by interest in their Virgo harvesting system.
Leadership and Team
Upon completion of the acquisition, Root AI’s founder and CEO, Josh Lessing, will assume the position of CTO at AppHarvest. The startup currently operates with a team of 19 full-time employees.
Data-Driven Agriculture
A central aspect of this acquisition, as highlighted by both companies, is the potential of robot-collected data to improve crop yields. This data will be instrumental in optimizing farming practices.
“Traditional farming methods are increasingly vulnerable due to factors like unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, wildfires, and animal-related contamination, leading to an unreliable food supply,” stated Jonathan Webb, founder and CEO of AppHarvest, in a press release.
He continued, “Indoor farming addresses many of these issues, and the data acquired through robotics can significantly enhance our ability to forecast and manage crop quality and yield.”
AppHarvest believes that leveraging this technology will lead to more predictable and sustainable food production.
Brian Heater
Brian Heater: A Profile of a Veteran Tech Journalist
Brian Heater held the position of Hardware Editor at TechCrunch until the beginning of 2025. Throughout his career, he has consistently contributed to prominent technology-focused media outlets.
Extensive Experience in Tech Journalism
Heater’s professional background includes significant roles at several well-respected publications. These include Engadget, PCMag, Laptop, and Tech Times, where he ultimately functioned as the Managing Editor.
His journalistic work extends beyond dedicated tech publications. Heater’s writing has been featured in a diverse range of media, demonstrating his versatility as a writer.
A Broad Spectrum of Publications
- Spin
- Wired
- Playboy
- Entertainment Weekly
- The Onion
- Boing Boing
- Publishers Weekly
- The Daily Beast
This list represents just a selection of the many publications that have hosted his work. His ability to adapt his writing style to different audiences is noteworthy.
Beyond the Written Word
In addition to his writing, Brian Heater is actively involved in audio journalism. He currently hosts the weekly Boing Boing interview podcast, titled RiYL.
Heater’s contributions also include regular appearances as a contributor on NPR. This showcases his expertise and ability to communicate complex topics effectively.
Personal Life
He currently resides in a Queens apartment, where he shares his living space with a rabbit companion named Juniper. This detail offers a glimpse into his life outside of the professional sphere.