Saga Robotics Secures €9.5 Million to Scale autonomous Farming Solutions
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London, UK – August 18, 2025 – Saga Robotics, a pioneering developer of autonomous platforms for specialty crop production, has announced a €9.5 million equity investment to accelerate its expansion into key agricultural markets. The funding will fuel the company’s rollout of its Thorvald robot across vineyards and soft fruit farms in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Investing in the Future of Farming
The investment was completed in two phases and included contributions from existing investors aker, Nysnø Climate Investments, and MP pensjon. New investors where led by luxembourg-based Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, signaling growing confidence in the potential of robotic solutions for sustainable agriculture. This influx of capital positions Saga Robotics for significant growth in a sector increasingly focused on efficiency and environmental obligation.
Thorvald: A Versatile autonomous Platform
Founded in 2016, Saga Robotics has successfully transitioned its Thorvald platform from a research prototype to a commercially viable system. Currently, over 150 Thorvald units are deployed in fields during the 2025 growing season. The robots perform a range of critical tasks, including UV-C disease control, precise yield prediction, and detailed data collection, offering farmers actionable insights to optimize their operations.
Did You Know? UV-C light is a proven method for controlling plant pathogens without the use of synthetic chemicals, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable food production.
Market Penetration and Expansion Plans
Saga Robotics already holds a substantial market share in the UK strawberry industry, treating approximately 20 percent of the nation’s crop. In California, the robots are currently operating across 1,300 acres of vineyards. The company anticipates tripling its US footprint by 2026, leveraging approvals received under California’s CORE incentive programme. Furthermore, Saga aims to capture over 30 percent of the UK strawberry sector. What challenges do you foresee in the widespread adoption of agricultural robotics?
Leadership and Expertise
Pål Johan From, founder of Saga Robotics, will spearhead the company’s US expansion efforts. Sacha de La Noë, CEO, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on scaling its impact. “with strong traction on both sides of the Atlantic, we’re entering a new phase focused on scale and impact,” de La Noë stated. The company has also bolstered its board with the addition of Elliptic Labs CEO Laila Danielsen as a director and Alice Laurora of Praesidium Agri-FoodTech as an observer, bringing valuable industry expertise to the table.
Key Data and Projections
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Thorvald Units Deployed | 150+ | 450+ |
| UK Strawberry Market Share | 20% | 30%+ |
| US Vineyard acreage | 1,300 | 3,900 |
| Total Funding Secured | €9.5 Million | N/A |
Chair Dorn Wenninger highlighted the strong investor confidence, noting that it reflects “the strong foundations of our core business and growth pipeline.”
Pro Tip: investing in precision agriculture technologies like Saga Robotics’ Thorvald can significantly reduce input costs and improve crop quality, leading to increased profitability for farmers.
The Rise of Agricultural Robotics
The increasing demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices is driving the growth of the agricultural robotics market. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global agricultural robots market is projected to reach $11.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 22.6% from 2022 to 2027 [[1]]. Robots like Thorvald are playing a crucial role in addressing labour shortages, reducing pesticide use, and improving crop yields. The adoption of these technologies is further supported by government incentives, such as California’s CORE program, which aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices [[2]].
Evergreen Context: The Future of Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture, enabled by technologies like autonomous robots, represents a basic shift in farming practices. by leveraging data analytics, sensor technology, and automation, farmers can optimize resource allocation, minimize environmental impact, and enhance productivity. The trend towards vertical farming and controlled habitat agriculture (CEA) further amplifies the need for robotic solutions to manage complex operations and ensure consistent quality. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will continue to drive innovation in this space, enabling robots to perform increasingly sophisticated tasks with greater autonomy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saga Robotics
- What is Saga Robotics’ primary focus? Saga Robotics specializes in developing autonomous platforms for specialty crop production, such as vineyards and soft fruit farms.
- What are the key functions of the Thorvald robot? The Thorvald robot performs tasks like UV-C disease control, yield prediction, and precision data collection.
- where is Saga Robotics currently operating? The company is actively deploying its robots in the UK and the United States.
- What is the company’s growth strategy? Saga Robotics aims to triple its US footprint by 2026 and increase its market share in the UK strawberry sector.
- How does Saga Robotics contribute to sustainable agriculture? By reducing chemical use and optimizing resource allocation,Saga Robotics promotes environmentally friendly farming practices.
Will these advancements in agricultural technology lead to a more sustainable and efficient food system? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to World Today news for the latest updates on groundbreaking innovations shaping our world.