Tric Robotics: Reducing Pesticide Use on Strawberries with UV Light

Strawberries and the Need for Innovative Farming Solutions

In the United States, strawberries hold the position of the most favored berry, appealing to both consumers and agricultural producers. However, these fruits are frequently treated with pesticides and consistently appear on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list, identifying produce with the highest levels of contamination.

TRIC Robotics: A Novel Approach to Pest Control

Based in San Luis Obispo, California, TRIC Robotics is developing a solution to assist strawberry farmers in minimizing their reliance on chemical pesticides. Their strategy centers around the application of UV light and robotic technology.

Utilizing UV-C Light and Robotic Vacuuming

The startup has engineered a series of robots that employ UV-C light – a type of ultraviolet radiation largely filtered out by the Earth’s atmosphere – to eliminate bacteria and disrupt pest populations. These autonomous, tractor-sized robots are capable of treating expansive areas, up to 100 acres.

Furthermore, they incorporate vacuum systems specifically designed to remove bug debris without causing harm to the crops themselves.

A Service-Based Business Model

TRIC operates its robotic systems on farms during nighttime hours, offering this service rather than directly selling the robots to farmers. Adam Stager, co-founder and CEO of TRIC, explained to TechCrunch that this approach, while potentially slower to scale, was deemed the most effective way to gain initial momentum.

Understanding Farmer Needs

“Extensive collaboration with farmers was crucial in determining the optimal launch strategy and business model,” Stager stated. “Our research revealed that many farmers already utilize pest and disease control as a paid service, contracting companies to perform chemical sprays. We are essentially substituting this existing service with our robotic solution.”

From SWAT Team Robotics to Agricultural Innovation

Initially, the company’s focus wasn’t agriculture. Stager founded the company in 2017 following the completion of his doctoral studies in robotics.

The original concept involved 3D-printed robots intended for use by SWAT teams. However, in 2020, Stager made a strategic decision to pivot towards agriculture, believing it offered a greater potential for positive impact.

A Search for Meaningful Impact

“My primary motivation was to address a fundamental question: would I be content with my life’s accomplishments if faced with my mortality?” Stager explained. “I realized the need to engage in work that was both impactful and personally fulfilling. This led me to explore agriculture, recognizing its potential to benefit a vast number of people.”

Collaboration with the USDA

Stager contacted the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to explore opportunities for commercializing existing technologies, acknowledging that many promising innovations remain confined to research laboratories.

This outreach connected him with a USDA program designed to facilitate collaboration between individuals like Stager and scientists whose work hadn’t yet been commercialized. This connection ultimately led to the UV light technology that forms the core of TRIC’s robotic systems.

Early Deployments and Data Collection

“Along with my co-founder, Vishnu Somasundaram, we transported two robots built in my garage atop an SUV,” Stager recounted. “The USDA facilitated introductions to farmers who generously provided small plots of land for testing in 2021. This marked the true beginning of our company, involving an eight-month journey of traveling and lodging in Airbnb rentals while deploying our robots and gathering valuable data from these farmers.”

Current Operations and Future Growth

Currently, the company, with Ryan Berard as its third co-founder, collaborates with four major strawberry producers. They have deployed nine robots, with an additional three currently in production.

Recent Funding and Expansion Plans

TRIC Robotics recently secured $5.5 million in seed funding, led by Version One Ventures, with participation from Garage Capital, Todd and Rahul Capital, and Lucas Venture Group, among other investors.

These funds will be allocated to expanding the company’s fleet of autonomous robots. TRIC also intends to extend its technology to encompass a wider range of crops in the future.

A Promising Future for Agricultural Technology

“I am optimistic about the future of agricultural technology,” Stager concluded. “I believe it’s important for people to recognize the positive trajectory of this field and anticipate many exciting developments to come.”